By Alejandra Oropeza
Guanajuato State stands out for its comprehensive and solid economic development strategy. Based on its location in the Bajío region, Guanajuato is one of the fastest growing industrial zones in Mexico. To date, 23 countries have invested in the state.
According to Ramón Alfaro, Secretary of Economic Development of Guanajuato, the goal for the state has been under way since the 1990s. “One of the most important characteristics is the joint effort between the state government, the business sector, and academia. This has generated a long-term strategic plan that has allowed Guanajuato to be successful in terms of attracting investment. Planning has enabled continuity in public policy in terms of economic development,” he said.
Secretary Alfaro recalled that at the beginning of the present administration there was a proposal to reach an inbound investment level of US$5 billion. He stressed that, to date, the amount is close to over US$3.5 billion. The portfolio of projects indicates that by the end of 2023 the initial estimate will be exceeded. “This sends a message of confidence from investors in Guanajuato State,” he said. Alfaro highlighted that a Mexican contingency recently toured the US, during which Nestlé and Donaldson Company announced investment plans in the state.
Guanajuato’s competitive advantages
Other salient characteristics that position Guanajuato as an attractive destination for investments are its industrial developments, infrastructure, connectivity, and emphasis on education.
Secretary Alfaro noted that the network of medium-sized cities that stand out in the state (over 100,000 inhabitants) includes León, Silao, Irapuato, Celaya, and Salamanca. “This network has allowed us to make the development in Guanajuato as balanced as possible and to provide different location options to investors,” he said.
The State of Guanajuato has a significant diversification of economic activity: automotive-auto parts; agri-food; construction; plastic; services; new technologies; industry in general; pharmaceuticals/cosmetics; metal/mechanical; chemicals; household appliances; leather/footwear; textile/clothing; and information technology.
“Peaceful labor interaction is another factor that draws investors to Guanajuato. There have been over two decades without major labor disputes. We have a cordial relationship [with labor] that is oriented towards the benefit of both the workers and the companies,” he said.
Human capital is essential
The commitment to quality education and the development of highly qualified employees are other characteristics that have made Guanajuato an attractive destination for investors.
“We are proud that we have one of the most solid education and training systems in the country. Through the State Training Institute (IECA) we have 28 schools that, for more than 10 years, have been 100% oriented to the demands of production,” Alfaro said. According to him, the schools have all the equipment and methodologies to meet the requirements for the talent development that companies require: “We have robots, numerical control equipment, instructors, and alliances with companies to be able to train and develop human capital.”
He commented that there is also a state certification system, with an important upper secondary education subsystem, private and public universities (such as the campus of the National Polytechnic Institute and the National Autonomous University of Mexico), and a network of technology programs, among other educational institutions that have strengthened the business ecosystem. “Competition is not regional, it is worldwide. We must be prepared, and we cannot understand economic development if we do not work with education. Human capital is essential. All public policy on economic development has to be reflected by humans with better opportunities, income, and a better quality of life. That is the final result,” Alfaro explained.
Today there are more than 700 job profiles defined in the main strategic sectors of the state. Guanajuato is a leader in manufacturing, and it is ready and working to transition from production to bringing investments with design, development, and research centers to generate different opportunities for young people.
Today, Alfaro noted, there is talk of electromobility, automation, and digitization. Everything depends on developing talent with different profiles. In this sense, he said, through dual education programs and training abroad, the professionalization of young people is encouraged. “We have a focus on dual training in the state; we have been strengthening it for more than 10 years, and we will see better results in the coming years. He concluded, “Today there is more of Guanajuato in the world, and more of the world in Guanajuato.”
