Southern Development Hubs to Be Operational in Six Years: INDEX

Despite significant challenges in promoting development hubs in Mexico's south and southeast regions, the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (INDEX) anticipates a promising future under Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. Sheinbaum plans to improve the country's logistics by strengthening 12 industrial parks in the southeast, while developing 10 Well-Being Development Hubs.

Humberto Martínez Cantú, President, INDEX, told Expansión that the establishment of new development hubs, initiated under López Obrador's administration, will see industrial plants finally being established in the forthcoming government. While the southern region faces infrastructure, energy, water, and talent needs, INDEX stressed that these issues are currently being addressed. "With the upcoming administration and under Dr. Claudia's leadership, I believe this southern area of the country will become operational within six years. Her strategy is inclusive, and we have had numerous meetings with her team, especially with Altagracia Gómez, who coordinates communication with entrepreneurs," said Martínez.

For years, the southern region of Mexico has been considered less attractive due to its distance from the US border. Previously, Julio Escandón, Director General, Banco BASE, noted that investors cannot be boxed into choosing the south; rather, they will go where they find profitability.

However, Martínez noted that this perception can be overcome as goods can be shipped to the United States relatively quickly. For instance, export manufacturing industries settled in Yucatan can ship their products to Florida within a mere 48-hour timeframe. He also emphasized that efforts are underway to modernize customs procedures to reduce transfer times.

Development Initiatives for Southern Mexico under Sheinbaum's Administration

Sheinbaum has proposed building at least 100 industrial parks to distribute national and foreign investments across the country. The 10 Well-Being Development Hubs that will be developed by Sheinbaum are:

• The Interoceanic Corridor will specialize in renewable energy, specialized manufacturing, agribusiness, and logistics.

• The AIFA Corridor will focus on medical devices, pharmaceuticals, logistics, specialized manufacturing, services, and food and beverages.

• The Gulf Corridor will focus on petrochemicals, hydrocarbons, timber, fruit cultivation, and fisheries.

• The Pacific Corridor will prioritize agribusiness, Industry 4.0, logistics, and tourism.

• The Border Corridor will focus on automotive, manufacturing, and agribusiness sectors.

• The Baja Corridor will prioritize semiconductors, renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture.

• The Bajio Corridor will specialize in automotive, data centers, aerospace, and tourism.

• The Mayan Corridor will focus on tourism, agribusiness, renewable energy, food and beverages, and services.

• The Central Corridor will prioritize textiles, automotive, and electrical and electronic industries.

• The Northwest Corridor will focus on mining, agriculture, and power generation.