Plan Mexico: Boosting the Economy With Sustainable Infrastructure

A year ago, Plan Mexico was launched at the National Museum of Anthropology, as a national strategy that establishes a historic investment of more than MX$1.5 trillion (US$86 billion) in three years to turn the country into the 10th largest economy in the world.

We know that Plan Mexico has established as its main objective to promote the equitable and sustainable economic development of the country, with a broad scope that includes prosperity for all.

This narrative might seem like something we have already heard for several decades at the beginning of different six-year terms, where proposals and action programs are launched with great optimism aimed at triggering development and well-being for the population, emphasizing plans to achieve better education, more health, and well-paid jobs that can reduce poverty and inequality.

But this time there is something different, a new element that is worth exploring, since this plan aims to transform and promote development through the strengthening of national industry, the internal market, and food and energy sovereignty.

A year after its launch, I wonder if it is possible to achieve these ambitious goals without thinking about a solid sustainable development plan with public and private financing mechanisms. 

To attract long-term investment in 12 industrial corridors, energy transition, electromobility, education, and research or infrastructure in general, it will be important to align intersectoral agendas, which range from climate goals and economic development to well-being for the population.

Today more than ever, coherence between public policy proposals on infrastructure investment and ambition in terms of sustainability is essential; a necessary condition to advance in the development of a pipeline of projects aligned with the government's pledges and objectives.

Investment in infrastructure can help achieve sustainable development goals, as mentioned in SDG-9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.  That is why governments have a fundamental role to play in designing the infrastructure of the future, attracting the participation of investors and other stakeholders with ambitious commitments to invest in sustainable assets.

In accordance with the recommendations made by the PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment) to the policy paper prepared by the B20 South Africa Finance & Infrastructure Taskforce, for the G20 (2025), the following key points stand out:

■ Make certain that disclosures on infrastructure projects include relevant sustainability risks, opportunities, and impacts that may be material for investment decisions. 

This is a great opportunity to announce more details about the flagship infrastructure projects in our country, considering the information needs of investors, beyond the traditional returns. The challenge is to learn more about the supply chain involved in each project and its level of alignment with long-term sustainable objectives.

■ Ensure the development and implementation of national and subnational infrastructure strategies is consistent with government sustainability commitments, incorporates and upholds the guiding principles on Business and Human Rights, and is embedded in a whole-of-government approach to the economic transition. 

For emerging markets and developing economies, it is important to show a sustainable development model that looks to the future, with resilience and inclusive growth that generates benefits for the entire population. 

Subnational infrastructure projects will also need to align with climate goals, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), transition plans, and Mexico's Sustainable Taxonomy, if they are to be consistent with current public policies, programs or strategies.

■ Ensure relevant sustainability outcomes are considered throughout the infrastructure project and investment life cycle.

The life cycle of projects is relevant when considering all the resources that are required in the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning phases. In each of the stages, key elements such as circularity, materials, protection of biodiversity and respect for human rights must be considered.  

The sustainable impact of infrastructure projects that are developed from scratch (greenfield) can generate better results, since a clear strategy with predictable and long-term results can be considered from the initial design of the project.

These are complex tasks when you consider everyone involved, from financiers, governments, project developers, and supply chains.

The challenges facing infrastructure development will therefore be to achieve alignment the sustainable characteristics of projects with global standards, climate targets and national commitments, but above all, will be necessary to achieve: the collaboration of workers, communities and other stakeholders involved, who must participate in public consultations, round tables and various instances to understand the transition plans and national goals that force us to grow in a different way and privilege sustainable infrastructure over the one that we built in the past.