<s>[INST] The next text is a question of a member of the European parliament:"The Agreement between the European Union and Mexico was signed inDecember 1999 and entered into force on 1July 2000. Its content means that the agreement provides the future framework for cooperation between firms on both sides. The achievement of one of the key objectives of the agreement, to adjust the balance in view of Mexico's excessive economic, commercial and financial dependence on its North American neighbour, will depend on the success of such business cooperation.  If this cooperation is to bear fruit, instruments need to be available comprising adequate measures and sufficient funding to support firms which decide to take part in the cooperation agreement. The former ECIP, from which a number of European and Mexican firms benefited significantly, expired at the end of 1999 and there is as yet no instrument to replace it.  How will the Commission foster cooperation between firms in the EU and Mexico which decide to put the agreement into practice in the various areas and sectors covered, and what financial instruments are envisaged for that purpose?"
Analyze carefully the text and assign it to the most relevant policy area among those listed below. Do not explain your answer and return only a number.
Policy area numbers: 1 = Macroeconomics
2 = Civil Rights, Minority Issues and Civil Liberties
3 = Health
4 = Agriculture and Fisheries
5 = Labour, employment and pensions
6 = Education
7 = Environment
8 = Energy
9 = Immigration
10 = Transportation
12 = Law and Crime
13 = Social welfare
14 = Regional and Urban issues and Planning
15 = Banking, finance and domestic commerce issues
16 = Defence
17 = Space, science, technology, and communications issues
18 = Foreign trade
19 = International affairs and foreign aid
20 = Governance and government
21 = Public Lands, Water Management and Territorial Issues
23 = Culture and media
[/INST]. Answer = [18]. </s>
The Agreement between the European Union and Mexico was signed inDecember 1999 and entered into force on 1July 2000. Its content means that the agreement provides the future framework for cooperation between firms on both sides. The achievement of one of the key objectives of the agreement, to adjust the balance in view of Mexico's excessive economic, commercial and financial dependence on its North American neighbour, will depend on the success of such business cooperation.  If this cooperation is to bear fruit, instruments need to be available comprising adequate measures and sufficient funding to support firms which decide to take part in the cooperation agreement. The former ECIP, from which a number of European and Mexican firms benefited significantly, expired at the end of 1999 and there is as yet no instrument to replace it.  How will the Commission foster cooperation between firms in the EU and Mexico which decide to put the agreement into practice in the various areas and sectors covered, and what financial instruments are envisaged for that purpose?