Background on Morelos and its Manufacturing Sector
Morelos, a Mexican state, is actively addressing economic uncertainty following Nissan’s closure in Jiutepec. The Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico (Sedeco) is implementing strategies to mitigate job losses and business closures. Jiutepec’s manufacturing sector contributes 40% of local employment, with key industries including transportation equipment, chemicals, and plastics & rubber. At the state level, manufacturing accounts for 9.6% of all businesses but generates 17.0% of the total employment, providing over 64,371 jobs.
Orgullo Morelos Program and its Objectives
Jorge Orihuela, director of the Orgullo Morelos program at Sedeco, explained that the initiative aims to support new producers and entrepreneurs by formalizing their businesses. The program offers essential tools for commercialization in department stores and digital platforms.
Impact of Nissan’s Closure
The announcement of Nissan’s closure has significantly affected Morelos’ economy, causing uncertainty. In response, Sedeco is focusing on empowering entrepreneurs to minimize job losses and encourage self-employment.
Investment Opportunities
Morelos has secured eight strategic investment projects totaling 2,098 million pesos across various sectors. These investments are coordinated among federal, state, and municipal governments, targeting tourism, pharmaceuticals, technology & cybersecurity, logistics, commerce exterior, and creative industries.
Hetero Labs Investment
The pharmaceutical company Hetero Labs plans to invest between 35 and 40 million dollars in Jiutepec for solid medication, oncology, and biotechnology plants. This investment is expected to create up to 300 permanent jobs.
Immediate Support Measures
Orgullo Morelos offers immediate assistance to businesses, including brand registration, nutritional tables, and barcode implementation. The program also promotes participation in trade shows and exhibitions, particularly in tourism and gastronomy sectors.
Afiliated Businesses and Market Expansion
Currently, 520 businesses are part of Orgullo Morelos, producing items like mezcal, cheeses, honey, sauces, and dehydrated products. The program is in talks with Amazon and Mercado Libre to include Morelos-based products in their platforms.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Orgullo Morelos program? It’s a Sedeco initiative supporting new producers and entrepreneurs by formalizing their businesses and providing essential tools for commercialization.
- How is Morelos addressing Nissan’s closure impact? Sedeco is focusing on empowering entrepreneurs and minimizing job losses through self-employment opportunities.
- What investments has Morelos secured? Eight strategic investment projects totaling 2,098 million pesos across various sectors, including tourism, pharmaceuticals, technology & cybersecurity, logistics, commerce exterior, and creative industries.
- What is Hetero Labs’ investment plan? The pharmaceutical company plans to invest between 35 and 40 million dollars in Jiutepec for solid medication, oncology, and biotechnology plants, creating up to 300 permanent jobs.
- What support does Orgullo Morelos offer to businesses? The program provides immediate assistance, including brand registration, nutritional tables, barcode implementation, and promotion in trade shows and exhibitions.
