Italian Auto Firms Eye Investment Opportunities in Mexico

A delegation of nine Italian companies from the automotive, auto parts, aerospace, industrial paint, and plant installation sectors is visiting Mexico from May 5 to 10, 2025. This multisectoral trade mission is led by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CCIM) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico in Milan and the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE). Key institutional supporters include the National Auto Parts Industry Association (INA), the National Association of the Automotive Industry Supply Chain in Italy (ANFIA), the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Italy (CaMexItal), and Promos Italia.

The initiative seeks to promote new investments and reestablish Italy as one of Mexico’s top foreign investors. Italy previously held the leading investor position in Mexico in 2019. “This mission aims to strengthen economic ties and explore business opportunities in Mexico’s dynamic automotive sector,” CCIM stated.

Mexico City Highlights

The mission began in Mexico City with institutional meetings. Manola Zabalza, Mexico City’s Economic Development Secretary, emphasized the capital’s strengths in logistics, economic development, and security, highlighting its potential to support the automotive value chain. Arturo Palacios Romo, Director General for Investment Attraction, also joined the discussions.

The delegation also met with Ismael Ortiz Fernández, Head of the Global Economic Intelligence Unit at the Ministry of Economy. Ortiz noted that Mexico has imported over US$81 billion in Italian goods over the past decade. “Mexico ranks as the world’s 12th-largest economy and aims to break into the top 10 by 2030, supported by 9% annual export growth,” he added.

Officials introduced the Single Registry of Investment Projects (RUPI), a free digital platform designed to simplify administrative processes for investments exceeding US$100 million. “This platform is part of our institutional effort to facilitate the arrival of foreign capital,” Ortiz explained.

The day concluded with B2B meetings at CCIM headquarters, where Italian companies explored strategic partnerships with local industry leaders. The Italian Embassy hosted a diplomatic reception, where Ambassador Alessandro Modiano highlighted the mission's significance. “These exchanges strengthen bilateral ties and reaffirm Italy’s commitment to Mexico,” Modiano said.

Queretaro Engagements

In Queretaro, the delegation participated in the third International Automotive Industry Supply Summit, a key platform for business negotiations and networking. The delegation also visited the Queretaro Industrial Park, which hosts seven Italian companies, and engaged with local authorities and industry leaders to better understand the region’s industrial ecosystem.

Guanajuato and Nuevo Leon

In Guanajuato, the mission included visits to the Puerto Interior Industrial Park, home to three Italian firms, including Pirelli. Meetings with state officials and visits to production sites provided additional opportunities for collaboration.

The mission’s final leg in Nuevo Leon, another key industrial hub, will focus on expanding Italy’s footprint in Mexico’s thriving manufacturing sector.