Background on Maru Campos and Her Relevance
Maru Campos, the current governor of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, has recently taken significant steps to bolster economic development in her region. Her efforts are centered around establishing a Development Polo (a cluster of businesses and industries) in Ciudad Juárez, aiming to reduce economic disparities along the northern border.
The Development Polo Agreement
On Thursday, Maru Campos signed an agreement at Palacio Nacional to join Chihuahua to the “Polos de Desarrollo Económico para el Bienestar” program, with the new development polo being set up in Ciudad Juárez. The location chosen is a 60-hectare reserve in San Jerónimo.
Campos’s Message and Recognition
In her speech, Campos expressed gratitude to President Claudia Sheinbaum and Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard for their openness to collaborate and acknowledge Ciudad Juárez’s potential as a leading development hub in Mexico’s northern frontier.
“This Polo represents the opportunity to unite around causes we share and tackle challenges like violence, food insecurity, or educational disparities. It’s our moment to transform the border and decrease economic inequalities,” she emphasized.
Key Focus Areas
Campos highlighted her government’s focus on integrating young people into industries with dignified employment, supported by over 200 engineers currently training in universities across Arizona, Texas, Michigan, and Taiwan.
She also pointed out Chihuahua’s significance as the top exporting state to the US, with over $75 billion in exports projected for 2024. The state is also the leading automotive exporter in Mexico, a major producer of medical devices, and a dominant player in electronics manufacturing, accounting for 4 out of every 10 circuit boards produced in the country.
Moreover, Ciudad Juárez is part of the “Semiconductor Route,” along with Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Texas, aiming to establish a microchip production supply chain in the region.
Campos’s Call for Continued Support
To conclude, Campos requested President Sheinbaum’s continued support for the renewal of the San Jerónimo-Santa Teresa border crossing, ensuring Chihuahua’s energy sufficiency, and adapting the regional railway infrastructure.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is a Development Polo? A Development Polo, or economic development cluster, is a geographical concentration of interconnected companies, suppliers, and associated institutions in a particular field.
- Why is Ciudad Juárez chosen for this Polo? Ciudad Juárez is selected due to its strategic location, robust industrial capacity, and existing infrastructure, making it an ideal hub for economic development along Mexico’s northern border.
- What are the key industries in Chihuahua? The state excels in automotive manufacturing, medical device production, electronics, and high-tech industries. It is also a significant exporter to the United States.
- What does Maru Campos aim to achieve with this agreement? Campos seeks to decrease economic disparities in the border region, integrate young people into dignified employment opportunities, and establish Ciudad Juárez as a leading development hub in Mexico.
