CMIC’s Priorities: Collaboration, Sustainability, Gender Equality

Q: Given the landscape in the Mexican construction industry, what are the primary concerns and objectives of the chamber? 

A: CMIC is a business chamber with over 70 years of experience. We advocate for synergy and collaboration between the government and industry, and promote continuous improvement within the sector. CMIC has hosted all three Mexico City mayoral candidates and will soon host the candidates for district positions. As part of the G9 consortium, we prioritize the need for collaboration. Building and rebuilding Mexico requires a collective effort; it is not solely the responsibility of the government. We emphasize the importance of long-term planning, as Mexico often lacks sufficient planning, resulting in challenges that affect several administrations. The General Development Plan and General Territorial Planning Program are key to the industry.

Long-term planning is essential for addressing issues like water management, which requires a 30-year plan and substantial investment. Sustainability is intertwined with this as global warming exacerbates water scarcity, necessitating a shift toward more sustainable practices in the construction industry. We advocate for innovative planning alongside sustainability initiatives and have held forums addressing water management and sustainability. Mexico City has made legislative changes that now require demolition contractors to partner with recycling facilities. This shift toward recycling and sustainable materials is a step forward in addressing environmental concerns, but the entire industry must adopt such practices.

We also highlight the importance of technological innovation. Companies that invest in technology and development tend to be more profitable. The resistance to change within traditional industries like construction underscores the need for awareness and education. Our goal is to equip our affiliates with the tools for transformation and growth to contribute to national progress. Embracing innovation and sustainability is essential for the survival and prosperity of both businesses and the country as a whole.

Q: What measures has CMIC deployed to encourage and regulate sustainable practices in construction, particularly in terms of minimizing water and energy consumption? 

A: We have implemented several initiatives. First, our Institute of Construction Industry Training offers courses and programs covering topics like sustainable construction and treatment plant operations. We also collaborate with organizations like Sustainability for Mexico (SUMe) and the International Network of Smart Cities (RICI) to advance sustainability and technological innovation. We recently standardized construction paperwork with the Ministry of Public Works of Mexico City to reduce paper waste and streamline processes. The next step is process automation to standardize and automate several procedures. We are also partnering with USG Corporation to promote eco-friendly materials and technologies, showcasing them at our events to encourage wider adoption.

Q: How does CMIC work with other actors in the industry to promote mutual goals?

A: Partnerships are pivotal to our approach. We actively collaborate with various chambers, institutes, and governmental bodies to advocate for key issues. For example, we work with the G9 consortium to foster collective action on crucial matters. We also established collaborative agreements with Mexico City Water System (SACMEX) and the Ministry of Works and Services of Mexico City (SOBSE). We also collaborate with the Citizens' Council to improve women's safety on construction sites.

We are committed to supporting gender equality and fighting gender-based violence through partnerships with women's groups and legislative bodies. Our Mantas Lilas campaign, for example, promotes awareness of gender violence and provides support resources on construction sites. We are also actively promoting gender diversity in the industry through initiatives like the Gender Equity Commission and alliances with women-led organizations. We also have forged partnerships aimed at providing training and opportunities for vulnerable communities, emphasizing inclusivity and social responsibility in our industry.

Q: What else can be done to foster more opportunities for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields? 

A: It is rare to see women in leadership roles in the construction industry. Women hold just 5% of positions in the 44 delegations nationally, but there has been progress. To enhance gender equality, we need to unite, support each other, and recognize the power of teamwork. It is crucial to instill in younger generations the idea of collaboration and equality to challenge outdated norms. We must change perceptions and create inclusive spaces, as without unity, we risk further division.

Q: Given the 2026 World Cup and nearshoring, what priorities should the next president and Mexico City mayor focus on to support national growth and the construction sector?

A: Mobility stands out as a critical concern, not just for the World Cup but for the city's future. We must reduce reliance on cars and optimize existing infrastructure, such as maintaining and expanding the metro system. Candidates have highlighted plans to modernize and extend metro lines, even proposing building connections to the Azteca Stadium and expanding Metrobus routes. 

To support nearshoring, fiscal incentives will be vital. While space is limited in Mexico City, promoting office spaces could attract more businesses. The city's rich educational offer and cultural diversity also make it an attractive destination. However, ensuring water security and addressing housing needs are paramount, especially with the trend toward vertical urbanization. Meeting these challenges will require significant infrastructure development and construction efforts.

Q: What steps are needed to ensure quality, affordable housing for residents?

A: The severe lack of affordable housing options in Mexico City is a pressing issue. Developers find it nearly impossible to build affordable housing within the city limits, pushing people to distant areas where quality of life suffers due to long commutes. To address this problem, we must identify designated areas for affordable housing and precisely define the target population. The Housing Institute of Mexico City is the main entity building affordable housing, but its efforts are insufficient. 

We are exploring pilot projects, such as housing initiatives for vulnerable women, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Infonavit, and the Commission for the Reconstruction of Mexico City. These initiatives aim to ensure that those in need have access to housing within reasonable proximity to the city center. It also involves reconsidering urban zoning to allow for higher-density developments within the city, using available land more efficiently. Government involvement and increased financial support for these initiatives are crucial to tackling the housing crisis.

Q: What are the primary near-term objectives for the organization?

A: Our focus is finalizing proposals to present to the various mayoral candidates. Next, we will host a networking and training event for both large and small companies, leveraging our partnership with Marsh to provide valuable insights and guidance to emerging entrepreneurs. We also aim to convene a forum to consolidate and present the best alternatives from our individual proposals. Finally, we seek to establish collaborative agreements with the new government to ensure ongoing cooperation.

CMIC Mexico City is a construction chamber with over 400 affiliated companies covering the infrastructure, development, and construction needs of the capital. It serves as a representative of the industrial sector, advocating for the improvement and growth of the city's infrastructure and the quality of life of its inhabitants.