Background on Beatriz Hernández Rojas and Coparmex Querétaro
Beatriz Hernández Rojas, the president of Coparmex Querétaro (Confederación Patronal de la República Mexicana, or the Mexican Employers’ Confederation in Querétaro), has expressed cautious optimism regarding the local economy’s prospects. Her insights are crucial as she represents a significant business organization in the region.
Current Economic Outlook
As the year draws to a close, local business leaders remain cautious due to the prevailing economic conditions in Mexico, according to Hernández Rojas. She highlighted that there is a general sense of caution, acknowledging the country’s economic slowdown compared to the robust growth experienced a decade ago.
Given the current economic trends, business leaders in Querétaro do not anticipate growth for the upcoming year. Moreover, Hernández Rojas emphasized that it would be challenging for the Mexican economy to grow at a rate of 2%.
Economic Indicators and Sector-Specific Concerns
Despite these concerns, Hernández Rojas expressed confidence that Querétaro’s economy would close 2025 with growth indicators similar to those of 2024. However, she did voice apprehension about the recent reform to the Ley de Amparo (Right to Petition Law) and its potential implications for the business sector.
In terms of employment, Hernández Rojas acknowledged that Querétaro has shown stability in job creation, though there have been fluctuations in employment rates.
Economic Projections for Querétaro
According to BBVA Research’s Situational Regional Report for Mexico (second half), Querétaro’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow by 0.8% this year, driven by the development of primary and tertiary sectors, alongside a decline in secondary activities.
The state’s GDP growth forecast slightly exceeds the national trend, estimated at 0.7% for the current year.
The report indicates that, by the second half of 2025, Mexico’s economy faces a generalized slowdown with an annual growth rate of 0.4% up to the second quarter, influenced by industrial contraction but buffered by primary and tertiary sector activities.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the uncertainties posed by U.S. tariffs and reduced public spending on infrastructure, among other factors, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes) are deemed vital for sustaining the domestic market.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Coparmex Querétaro? Coparmex Querétaro is the local chapter of the Confederation Patronal de la República Mexicana, representing business interests in the region.
- Why are local businesses cautious? They are concerned about the slowing economy, with a projected 2% growth rate being challenging to achieve. There are also uncertainties due to U.S. tariffs and reduced public spending on infrastructure.
- What are the economic projections for Querétaro? BBVA Research projects a 0.8% GDP growth for Querétaro in 2025, driven by primary and tertiary sectors, while secondary activities experience a decline.
- What concerns do business leaders have regarding labor? Although Querétaro has shown stability in job creation, there have been fluctuations in employment rates.
- What is the recent reform that worries business leaders? The reform to the Ley de Amparo (Right to Petition Law) has raised concerns about potential implications for the business sector.
