With a floor space of 5,000 m2, 150 exhibitors and over 5,000 visitors, Aquatech Mexico is one of the biggest water technology trade shows in the region. Industry experts believe the event also harbours opportunities for Dutch water technology.
On the exhibition floor under the Netherlands Pavilion where the WaterCampus Leeuwarden presented itself together with members such as Paques, Berghof Membranes, Ecoloro and NX Filtration. “I would have liked to see more activity at the trade show overall, but the quality was most certainly there,” says Rick te Lintelo, Global Sales Director at Berghof Membranes. “I have to say, though, that in the Netherlands Pavilion everything was looked after very well. It was an excellent place to present our products. I have nothing but positive things to say about the support we received from the NWP people and about the embassy’s efforts.”
Juliette Douglas, Marketing Manager at Water Alliance looks back on the event fondly as well. “Aquatech Mexico is a good and logical step if you have plans for growth in the region or if you want to explore the Mexican market,” says Douglas. “In Mexico there is a water shortage, the rivers are polluted and industry is looking for new technologies that can be applied in their often existing systems. Dutch water companies willing to work together with Mexican companies on these issues will achieve much more than working individual. For example, in Mexico we established contact with a government agency that is looking to collaborate with (Dutch) parties within the scope of horizon 2020. I’d say: grab that opportunity.”
Do the entrepreneurs have any tips for companies wanting to do business in Mexico? Te Lintelo: “Spend a lot of time getting to know the people, the country and the culture so that you understand their needs. And try to speak Spanish. A lot of people can make do with English but things go a lot more smoothly in Spanish.”
Duffhues: “Work together with local partners when you can. Market penetration will be easier this way.”
