Introduction
According to Juan José Sierra, the president of Mexico’s leading business organization, Coparmex, the primary challenge for Mexico by 2026 is to establish legal certainty and investor confidence, rather than focusing on macroeconomic stability.
Anticipated Political Uncertainty
Sierra warned that 2026 is expected to bring a more uncertain political environment. He pointed out that ongoing debates on reforms, such as the politico-electoral system, changes to the revocación de mandato (recall mechanism), judicial reform, and the weakening of institutional checks and balances have eroded trust in democratic institutions and legal certainty.
Impact on Investment
This context increases investment risk and directly affects long-term economic decision-making, Sierra emphasized.
Coparmex’s Vision for Mexico
Despite the challenges, Coparmex believes Mexico still has room to attract investment, diversify its economy, and elevate social well-being. To translate these prospects into tangible results, the organization insists on advancing a clear agenda.
Six Key Areas for Investment Impulse
- Legal certainty and the Rule of Law
- Security for individuals and businesses
- Reliable, competitive energy supply
- Responsible public finances and pro-growth budgeting
- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (Mipymes) as growth drivers
- Competitiveness and regional integration
Coparmex sees the nearshoring phenomenon as a genuine investment and productive diversification opportunity. However, fully capitalizing on it depends on addressing infrastructure gaps, regulatory certainty, and legal security—key elements for regional integration and attracting global supply chains.
Opportunities in Productive Relocation, Nearshoring, and Regional Integration
The Mexican business sector acknowledges significant opportunities in productive relocation, nearshoring, and regional integration, provided that conditions of legal certainty, infrastructure, and macroeconomic stability are strengthened.
Prerequisites for New Investments
Attracting new investments requires institutional strengthening and respect for contracts, investments, and the law as indispensable conditions for long-term investment.
Combatting Extortion and Productivity-Affecting Crimes
Another crucial aspect is the frontal fight against extortion and crimes impacting productive activities, along with strengthening police and prosecution services to ensure minimal operational conditions.
Access to Affordable Energy and Public Investment Priorities
Coparmex stresses the importance of timely access to affordable electricity and gas, which can stimulate productive investment, nearshoring, and industrial development. Public investment priorities should focus on security, infrastructure, health, and education to spur private investment while maintaining fiscal balance and prudent debt levels.
Key Messages from Coparmex
- Strengthening North American Integration: Emphasize unity among sectors for T-MEC review, fulfill international commitments, and send clear signals of openness and confidence to domestic and foreign investors.
- Supporting Competitive Policies: Back decisions and agreements that bolster the country’s competitiveness while clearly identifying risks from public policies weakening institutions or hindering productive investment.
- Promoting Dialogue and Collaboration: Continue fostering dialogue, shared responsibility, and the construction of proposals and agreements to establish solid foundations for economic growth with formal employment and social development in Mexico.