Background on Relevant Figures and Organizations
The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) in Jalisco, Mexico, is advocating for the state to diversify its production and exports to attract more foreign investment. Luis Foncerrada, the Chief Economist of AMCHAM, emphasizes that both federal and state governments must do their part to create a favorable environment for businesses.
Ernesto Sánchez Proal, the President of AMCHAM’s Guadalajara chapter, highlights the importance of infrastructure, legal certainty, and security for foreign companies to continue investing in Jalisco.
Foncerrada’s Recommendations for Economic Improvement
In the context of the “Economic Forum: Jalisco and the Reconfiguration of North America” organized by AMCHAM’s Guadalajara chapter, Foncerrada stressed that Mexico and its individual states must address internal issues to attract more foreign investment.
- Talent and Skilled Workforce: Foncerrada emphasized the need for a qualified workforce to entice investors.
- Worker Health and Safety: He highlighted the importance of maintaining workers’ health to ensure a stable workforce.
- Infrastructure and Energy: Foncerrada pointed out the critical need for proper infrastructure, including roads, railways, and reliable energy transmission.
He acknowledged Jalisco’s potential as a hub for artificial intelligence, but stressed the necessity of diversifying production and exports to sustain growth.
Government Roles in Supporting Investment
Sánchez Proal reiterated that local governments play a crucial role in providing the necessary infrastructure, legal certainty, and security for foreign investors.
He mentioned that recent changes in U.S. trade policies have caused a slowdown in investments in Jalisco, although no projects have been abandoned. Companies are currently waiting for a clearer signal regarding the renegotiation of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The primary concern is attracting more foreign investment to reverse negative economic indicators, such as worker disaffiliation from social security and a potential third-quarter economic downturn.
- What must be done internally? Both federal and state governments need to address internal issues, including providing a skilled workforce, ensuring worker health and safety, improving infrastructure, and resolving energy transmission problems.
- What role do local governments play? Local governments are essential in offering the necessary infrastructure, legal certainty, and security for foreign companies to invest.
- How have recent U.S. trade policy changes affected Jalisco? These changes have slowed investments in Jalisco, but no projects have been abandoned. Companies are waiting for clearer signals about the USMCA renegotiation.
