ABSTRACT
Relations between Mexico and the United States can be characterized as a clear phenomenon of interdependence. On the Mexican side, there has always been a consciousness of the dependency of Mexico on the United States, especially in economic and technological areas. Mexicans would react with incredulity that this is a real issue since their perception is that the United States is a large, modern, technologically advanced, powerful, and even invulnerable, imperial country. The relationship between Mexico and the United States can be defined by saying that they are two nations with substantial and essential differences but relatively common objectives; as a result, the roads to reach these objectives must necessarily be different. Agriculture, cattle raising, and mining contribute more than one-third of employment but a smaller and decreasing portion of production. Mexico's industrial policy will evolve during the next few years toward a structure based primarily on market indicators, but also involving a promotional and regulatory presence of the state.
