Meet the 15 Business Leaders Driving Mexico’s Economic Growth and Reshoring Strategy
By Mariana Méndez
November 28, 2024
President Claudia Sheinbaum has introduced the Regional Economic Development and Reshoring Advisory Council (CADERR, by its acronym in Spanish), a pivotal initiative under Mexico's Plan México to enhance private investment nationwide.
The council, composed of 15 business leaders (7 women, 7 men, and one coordinator), represents diverse regional, sectoral, and academic expertise. Its primary mission is to implement the National Reshoring Strategy and secure new private investments.
Aligned with the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) and other private-sector organizations, CADERR aims to solidify Mexico’s position as an investment hub. A core aspect of its strategy includes the creation of 100 industrial parks tailored to the productive capacities and natural resources of each region. These parks will be accompanied by housing, schools, roads, and other critical infrastructure projects.
According to the President, this initiative is projected to achieve an estimated economic growth of 2.5% by bolstering supply chains and fostering sustainable development.
Council Members
The council includes representatives from Mexico's Economic Cabinet (Secretariat of Economy, Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit, Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation, Secretariat of Energy, Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources, Secretariat of Health, and the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency), as well as private-sector associations such as the Business Coordinating Council, American Chamber Mexico, Global Enterprises Council, and the Mexican Banking Association.
Special members from federal government agencies, including the Secretariats of Communications and Transport, Labor and Social Welfare, Tourism, Agriculture, and the Armed Forces, will assist with specific projects.
Academic institutions involved include the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the National Polytechnic Institute, the University of Guadalajara, Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, and the National Technological Institutes System (TecNM).
Strategic Premises
According to project coordinator Altagracia Gómez Sierra, the council’s strategy is grounded in three key principles:
- The Return of Industrial Policy: Sectors like automotive, aerospace, agroindustry, and chemicals highlight the value of strategic industrial planning.
- Sustainable Development: Economic initiatives must consider both natural resources and societal challenges for balanced growth.
- Mexico as a Global Opportunity: This initiative seeks to break historical cycles of inequality and position Mexico as a global investment platform.
Strategic Axes and Private Sector Actions
To secure investments, generate jobs, and promote regional development, the CADERR proposes 10 key actions:
- Develop projects and mixed investment schemes to strengthen industrial corridors and Well-being Poles.
- Build local and regional supply chains, focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with enhanced training, credit access, and direct marketing channels.
- Promote and improve sustainability practices.
- Increase investment and export volumes.
- Double dual education programs, certifications, and technical training.
- Boost patent registration.
- Simplify permits and digitize procedures to cut investment lead times by 50%.
- Strengthen development banking programs for SMEs and exporters.
- Advocate for tariffs benefiting local and regional suppliers.
- Serve as a liaison between the federal government and economic sectors to track private investment portfolios.
By 2030, CADERR aims to increase local and regional content in industrial exports by at least 10%. In aerospace, the council’s goals include leading the first fully Latin American space mission with Mexican astronaut Katya Echazarreta, completing the first Mexican-made aircraft engine by Grupo Safran, and launching the country’s first 100% Mexican satellite.
Nearshoring: A Key Tool for Positioning Mexico
The nearshoring phenomenon is viewed as a critical tool for positioning Mexico within regional production blocs. “This new form of globalization allows not only greater exports but also higher value-added goods,” stated Gómez Sierra.
The council will also collaborate with strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and tourism, fostering key investments in projects like the Maya Train and the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
The council will meet quarterly, led by President Sheinbaum, and will implement monitoring mechanisms at regional and sectoral levels. This structure aims to ensure a “smooth landing” for industrial policies and promote a holistic development vision encompassing economic, social, and environmental benefits.
“This is Mexico’s moment on the global stage, and it is our duty to seize this opportunity to transform our country and project its potential worldwide,” concluded Gómez Sierra.
Members of the Regional Economic Development and Reshoring Advisory Council
- Gina Díez Barroso Azcárraga – President and CEO of Diarq Holding
- Myriam Guadalupe de la Vega – President and Director of Almacenes Distribuidores de la Frontera S.A. de C.V.
- Blanca Treviño de Vega – President and CEO of Softtek
- María Elena Gallego – President and CEO of Grupo Collectron International Management, Inc.
- Concepción Miranda – General Director of Miraplastek
- Tamara Caballero – CEO of Multiva
- Ana María Macías – Entrepreneur and risk analysis engineer, Director of MAJA Consulting Group S.A. de C.V.
- Rodrigo Herrera Aspra – Founder of Genomma Lab
- Antonio del Valle Perochena – Chairman of the Board of KALUZ
- José Chapur Zahoul – President of The Palace Company
- Eduardo Tricio Haro – Chairman of the Board of Grupo Lala and Grupo Industrial Nuplen
- Raúl Gutiérrez Muguerza – Chairman of the Board of Grupo DEACERO
- Juan Domingo Beckmann – CEO of José Cuervo
- Armando Garza Sada – Former Chairman of the Board of Alfa S.A.B. de C.V.
- Altagracia Gómez Sierra – Chair of the Board of Promotora Empresarial de Occidente