Introduction
The governors of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, and Nuevo León, Samuel García, convened for the third edition of the Jalisco-Nuevo León axis. The meeting took place at Guadalajara’s Hospicio Cabañas, aiming to strengthen economic collaboration, promote growth policies, and attract national and international investment in the tourism and cultural sectors.
The “Ponte Nuevo, Ponte Mundial” Strategy
Nuevo León’s Governor Samuel García introduced the “Ponte Nuevo, Ponte Mundial” strategy during the 2025 Business Encounter in Jalisco. The initiative focuses on maximizing economic, tourism, and cultural opportunities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“If we unite, this beautiful city of Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City can capitalize on the World Cup, leaving a significant legacy and transforming our cities while showcasing Mexico’s beauty to the world,” García Sepúlveda emphasized.
He outlined four action areas: Strengthening Mobility, New Public Spaces, Embellishing the City, and World Experience.
Key Projects
- New Metro Lines 4 and 6
- Acquisition of 4,000 new buses
- Colombia Customs
- Water Park
- Expansion of Fundidora Park
- Green Corridors
- Cleaning Program
- Construction of 300 new sports fields
Jalisco’s Preparations
Governor Pablo Lemus anticipates four World Cup matches at the Akron Stadium, expecting 3 million visitors during those dates. To accommodate this influx, Jalisco is expediting infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Chapala road and the construction of Public Transport Line 5, investing $1.3 billion.
Collaborative Efforts
Both governors agreed to ensure that World Cup-related projects extend beyond the sporting event, benefiting their states and Mexico’s economy. They aim to involve civil society and businesses in maintaining public spaces around the World Cup, ensuring they remain a valuable asset for their communities.
During the event, Nuevo León’s Economy Secretary Betsabé Rocha Nieto proposed initiatives to support businesses and create investment windows in both cities, along with franchising opportunities through her department.
Discussion Topics
The meeting addressed improving city competitiveness and infrastructure, focusing on venues like Nuevo León’s BBVA Stadium and Jalisco’s Akron Stadium. They also discussed detonating value chains linked to tourism, commerce, and services while fostering cooperation for joint Government-IP actions to harness the economic and social impact of this sporting event.
The event featured conferences by Altagracia Gómez Sierra, Advisory Council Head for the Presidency of the Republic; Mikel Arriola, Liga MX Executive President; and Fernando Schwartz, Director of Communication for National Teams. Carlos Capistrán, BofA’s Chief Economist for Mexico and Canada, also spoke about the global economic landscape.
Background and Future Meetings
The Jalisco-Nuevo León axis began in 2022 with over 120 business leaders from both states, signing an economic linkage agreement. Subsequent meetings have focused on nearshoring, climate action, and joint public policy development.
This year’s meeting aims to align priority projects, strengthen value chains, promote international exposure for both entities, and establish coordination mechanisms ensuring a positive and sustainable regional and national impact in the context of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Jalisco-Nuevo León axis? It’s a collaborative initiative between the governments of Jalisco and Nuevo León, established in 2022, to foster economic growth, public policy development, and investment attraction in both states.
- What is the “Ponte Nuevo, Ponte Mundial” strategy? It’s a plan by Nuevo León’s Governor Samuel García to maximize economic, tourism, and cultural opportunities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- What projects are part of the strategy? Key projects include new Metro lines, bus acquisitions, Colombia Customs, a water park, Fundidora Park expansion, green corridors, cleaning programs, and new sports field construction.
- What are Jalisco’s preparations for the World Cup? Jalisco anticipates four matches at Akron Stadium and is investing $1.3 billion in infrastructure projects, including road rehabilitation and a new public transport line.
- What were the main topics discussed? The meeting addressed city competitiveness, infrastructure, venue development, value chain detonation, and cooperation for joint Government-IP actions to leverage the World Cup’s economic and social impact.
