Colima Governor Welcomes Philippine Ambassador

Colima Governor Indira Vizcaíno welcomed Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Arvin de León to discuss new investment opportunities in Colima and the port city of Manzanillo, as the port prepares for a major expansion. Vizcaíno said the meeting comes at a strategic moment as Manzanillo, Mexico’s largest port and the second-largest in Latin America, embarks on an expansion project promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Once completed, the project is expected to position Manzanillo as the largest port in Latin America.

The governor said the expansion could increase annual container throughput from the current 4 million containers to nearly 10 million, strengthening the port’s role as a key engine of regional and national economic development.

“This gives us the expectation of becoming the main port in Latin America,” Vizcaíno said. “For us, it is clearly a strategic point for economic development.”

She also pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and logistics, including highway upgrades to reduce travel times and improve safety, as well as new housing developments and the construction of a new hospital in Manzanillo scheduled to begin next year.

Vizcaíno noted that Colima already hosts significant investment from Philippine companies and reiterated the state’s openness to further foreign investment, citing quality of life, favorable business conditions and the federal government’s broader strategy to diversify international markets. “There is an openness to investments that are positive for both sides,” she said.

The governor invited the ambassador and his delegation to explore Colima’s tourist destinations and local cuisine, noting cultural and gastronomic similarities with the Philippines in certain regions of the state.

De León said Colima was the first Mexican state he has visited during his tenure and described the reception as warm and welcoming. He added that the visit marks the beginning of more frequent engagement, as the Philippines sees growing opportunities for collaboration with the state.

The meeting was also attended by Colima Minister of Economic Development Francisco Javier Rodríguez, who presented the state’s economic outlook, and Manzanillo Mayor Rosa María Bayardo, who highlighted the institutional, cultural and economic importance of strengthening ties with the Philippines.

Manzanillo Becomes Mexico's Top Logistics Hub 

MBN reported that after facing significant operational challenges in 1H25, the Port of Manzanillo is regaining momentum, reaffirming its role as Mexico’s premier logistics gateway. Handling 42% of the country’s containerized cargo and 57% of all Pacific freight, the port has not only recovered from earlier disruptions but also set new performance records, a testament to its strategic importance and sustained investment in modernization.

“Manzanillo’s evolution over the past five years reflects its strategic importance not only for Mexico but for the entire Latin American region. In 2024 alone, the port mobilized 12% of all national cargo tonnage, reaffirming its role as the country’s key logistics engine,” says Guillermo Mejía, Director, National Port System Administration (ASIPONA) Manzanillo.

A Record Year for Throughput and Trade

Manzanillo achieved a new record in August 2025, handling 346,257TEU, a 10% month-on-month and 8% year-over-year increase. So far in 2025, the port has processed 2.54 million TEU, on track to reach nearly 4 million TEU by year-end, MBN reports.

According to ASIPONA, containerized cargo represented 73% of all commercial cargo handled during the first nine months of 2025, followed by bulk minerals (16%), agricultural bulk (6%), and general cargo (5%). Of the total throughput, 44% corresponded to imports, 42% to exports, and 14% to transshipment activities.

Between January and July 2025, Manzanillo generated US$5.96 billion (MX$109.45 billion) in trade contributions, second only to Nuevo Laredo US$6.99 billion (MX$128.22 billion) and ahead of Veracruz US$4.52 billion (MX$82.95 billion), underscoring its relevance in national customs revenue and trade performance, reports MBN. 

Private Sector Commitment: US$1.91 billion (MX$35 Billion) in Investment

The private sector has been instrumental in positioning Manzanillo as the country’s top logistics hub, says José Antonio Contreras, CEO, Contecon Manzanillo. “Manzanillo is the number one port in Mexico, consolidated over decades as the principal logistics node of the nation,” says Contreras.

The private sector has invested over MX$35 billion to modernize the port, which now boasts: 28 ship-to-shore cranes and 12 mobile cranes, 108 RTG cranes, 344 terminal tractors and 340 forklifts, 30 gates for truck operations and 5km of rail tracks connecting the port directly with Mexico’s industrial clusters. These advances are sustained by a workforce of more than 35,000 direct and indirect employees, ensuring 24/7 operations and logistics continuity.