Background on the Initiative and Its Relevance
In response to the competitive challenge posed by imported goods, businesses in Querétaro have decided to participate in the “Viernes Muy Mexicano” campaign. The goal is to offer promotions and experiences that encourage local consumption, according to René Loya Poletti, interim president of the Querétaro Chamber of Commerce.
Campaign Details and Objectives
- Start Date: The campaign begins on Friday, September 26, with the expectation of generating a ₱1.2 billion economic ripple effect across the state.
- Promotional Offers: Participating businesses will provide discounts and unique experiences to stimulate the purchase of Mexican-made products.
- Identity and Consumption: The initiative serves as a call to national identity, promoting internal consumption and supporting local businesses.
Loya Poletti highlighted the growing preference for imported goods among Mexican consumers, with national private consumption growth of 1.7% in 2024 and imported goods consumption growing by 4.2%. The “Viernes Muy Mexicano” campaign aims to reverse this trend and bolster local businesses.
Participation and Growth
Currently, around 70 to 80 businesses have registered for the project, with expectations of reaching 700 to 800 establishments by year-end. The campaign primarily targets family-owned businesses, which constitute approximately 70% of the Querétaro Chamber of Commerce’s 5,000 members.
Integration with Other Programs
César Gutiérrez Sánchez, Coordinator of the Bienestar Economic Corridor in Querétaro, explained that the campaign aims to link the “Hecho en México” and “Viernes Muy Mexicano” programs to engage various productive sectors and promote internal consumption as part of the Plan México.
“We are also inviting small businesses, as well as small, medium, and micro-producers, to join the ‘Hecho en México’ distinction,” Gutiérrez Sánchez said. “Our goal is to complement both programs and support each other in advancing local consumption in Querétaro, sending a message of unity. What’s made in Mexico is well-made.”
Upcoming Collaborative Projects
The Querétaro Chamber of Commerce and federal authorities plan to organize the first exhibition showcasing “Hecho en México” products. Currently, 300 Querétaro-based companies have the “Hecho en México” distinction, with 600 to 700 more companies having applied for it.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “Viernes Muy Mexicano” campaign? It’s a state-wide initiative encouraging local consumption by offering promotions and unique experiences at participating businesses.
- Which businesses are targeted? The campaign primarily focuses on family-owned businesses, which make up about 70% of the Querétaro Chamber of Commerce’s members.
- What are the campaign’s objectives? The campaign aims to reverse the growing preference for imported goods, bolster local businesses, and promote national identity.
- How does this campaign relate to other initiatives? The “Viernes Muy Mexicano” campaign aims to complement the “Hecho en México” distinction, fostering collaboration between various productive sectors to advance local consumption.
