Americans are not accustomed to thinking of their neighbor to the south as a major global oil producer, but that should change once they begin visiting the Mexican Pavilion. Mexico is a country with a long history of social transformations, sometimes dramatic, with cultural characteristics and traditions that make it singular. At present, it is working in order to achieve a harmonic development of its people that may ensure its present and future welfare. In its territory, abundant natural resources are found, which, if rationally used, may help reach the country's aims of balanced social development. For this purpose Mexico is availing itself of personnel and centers of research and education to prepare those who will have in their hands the responsibility of the country. In like manner, it has created a substructure which is in constant growth and renewal. This allows the country to develop according to the existing plans.
Mexico, a developing country, presents in its pavilion its accelerated rate of industrialization and production based on the energy resources. Its hydrocarbon reserves are the main factor that placed the country in its present position. As hydrocarbons represent the highest energy consumption, the manner in which they are obtained, transformed, distributed and consumed affects the world population as a whole. These circumstances are no longer a national issue or related to a few countries. In the face of this situation, Mexico adopted an internationalist position and proposed a World Energy Policy as a solution to the present problems and those which will come in the future due to the use of alternative energy resources.
In the northwest portion of the Fair site, across from the pavilions of Italy and the European Economic Community, the Mexican Pavilion contains seceral examples the nation's emerging energy production and research industries. Chief among these is an unusual simulated pool of oil. The pavilion also gives visitors from around the world a chance to sample authentic Mexican dishes. The restaurant, staffed by senoritas and caballeros, sells assorted native handicrafts, too.