Background on ACOEM and its Relevance
In Puebla, Mexico, approximately 70% of the construction sector comprises small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses require consistent activity, but they have only managed a 20% average participation in public works during 2025, which is far below their expectations.
ACOEM’s Expectations for New Administrations
José Alfredo Vega Herrera, president of the Asociación de Constructores Empresarios (ACOEM) Siglo XXI, expressed that SMEs in the construction sector have not achieved a 40% participation in public works as anticipated. They had hoped that new municipal administrations, which assumed functions in October 2024, would contribute to improving their sector’s activity through various projects.
Limited Public Works Opportunities
Vega Herrera mentioned that SMEs have had minimal participation in constructing new roads and maintaining existing ones, which are the primary areas where these businesses excel.
The 120 ACOEM members have observed that municipal authorities have issued few licitations throughout 2025, causing concern among the SMEs.
“The constructors expected that municipal authorities in their first year would contribute to improving sector activity with numerous projects, but this has not occurred as they had hoped. This situation worries the 120 ACOEM members due to the scarcity of licitations throughout 2025,” Vega Herrera emphasized.
Public Works’ Importance for SMEs
Historically, public works have accounted for 60% of all construction companies’ activity, while the remaining 40% comes from private projects that are not continuous. These private projects usually involve building apartment complexes, subdivisions, or commercial plazas when a company requires them.
Job Creation
For 2026, Vega Herrera urged the current municipal authorities to prioritize more projects and focus on SMEs, as an average SME can generate up to 30 jobs.
He pointed out that three small construction companies can participate in building a new street, keeping them active. In conurbanized municipalities, there are opportunities for rehabilitating and paving neighborhood roads, which are common campaign promises made by incoming administrations.
The Impact of SMEs on Local Employment
Vega Herrera expressed confidence that municipal authorities would open up opportunities for SMEs, which in turn create jobs within communities. This generates local economic activity through material purchases by residents.
He acknowledged that there is ample small-scale public works to be done in the metropolitan area. However, ACOEM members have yet to see announced projects for the current year, despite the short gestation period of a municipal administration.
Key Questions and Answers
- What percentage of the construction sector in Puebla consists of SMEs? Around 70%
- What is the average participation of SMEs in public works during 2025? Only 20%
- How many members does the ACOEM have? 120
- When did new municipal administrations assume functions in Puebla? October 2024
- What percentage of a construction company’s activity comes from private projects? Approximately 40%
- How many jobs can an average SME generate? Up to 30 jobs
- What types of public works opportunities are available in conurbanized municipalities? Rehabilitating and paving neighborhood roads
- What is the concern of ACOEM members regarding municipal licitations in 2025? The scarcity of licitations throughout the year
