Initiative by CONCANACO SERVYTUR and Puebla Government
The president of CONCANACO SERVYTUR, Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano, emphasized that the “Very Mexican Friday” program sends a message across the country that shared prosperity is achievable if everyone participates.
Key Figures and Their Roles
- Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano, president of CONCANACO SERVYTUR, highlighted Puebla’s significance as the starting point for this national strategy.
- Alejandro Armenta, governor of Puebla, received the “Mexico Very Mexican” award for promoting shared prosperity and community wealth among small and medium-sized enterprises.
Campaign Details and Objectives
The campaign, “Very Mexican Friday,” was launched by the Puebla government and CONCANACO SERVYTUR to encourage local consumption, strengthen national identity, and bolster the country’s economy. Spearheaded by the Mexican government led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, this initiative aims to create a ripple effect across Mexico.
- The campaign will commence on the last Friday of each month, starting September 26.
- Participating businesses will offer promotions and special deals to attract customers.
Impact on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MiPYMES)
Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano pointed out that 99.8% of economic units in Mexico are MiPYMES. With this initiative, they hope to generate a turnover of 48 million pesos, with an estimated 2 million coming from Puebla-based businesses.
The program is free and open to all family-owned businesses. Participants will display the “Here, we live a Very Mexican Friday” logo on their storefronts and websites.
Government of Puebla’s Support for Formal Businesses
Alejandro Armenta, governor of Puebla, stressed the importance of supporting socially responsible entrepreneurs and emphasized that his administration prioritizes formalization. He mentioned the need to assist informal businesses in contributing to the country by helping them formalize with SAT and simplifying processes.
“Mexico Very Mexican” Award
The Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism awarded Alejandro Armenta the “Mexico Very Mexican” accolade for his commitment to national identity, local entrepreneurship, culture, and promoting Mexican-made products.
Strengthening National Pride and Consumption
Víctor Gabriel Chedraui, Puebla’s Secretary of Economic Development and Labor, emphasized that the strategy will bolster national pride, identity, and consumption of Mexican products and services. He highlighted “Lo Hecho en México” (Made in Mexico) and “Lo Hecho en Puebla” (Made in Puebla), supported by the “Puebla Cinco de Mayo” brand.
Chedraui noted that private consumption grew by 1.7% in September 2024, while imported goods increased by 4.2%, outpacing domestic products which only advanced by 1.4%. The strategy aims to support small businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “Very Mexican Friday” campaign? It’s a nationwide initiative launched by the Puebla government and CONCANACO SERVYTUR to encourage local consumption, strengthen national identity, and boost the economy.
- Who are the key figures involved? Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano, president of CONCANACO SERVYTUR; Alejandro Armenta, governor of Puebla; and Víctor Gabriel Chedraui, Puebla’s Secretary of Economic Development and Labor.
- What are the campaign’s objectives? The campaign aims to generate a turnover of 48 million pesos, with an estimated 2 million coming from Puebla-based businesses. It also seeks to bolster national pride, identity, and consumption of Mexican products.
- What support does the Puebla government offer to businesses? The Puebla government supports socially responsible entrepreneurs by assisting informal businesses in formalizing with SAT and simplifying processes.
