As we close the first quarter of 2025, we’ve had an active international agenda, with visits from corporate representatives and delegations from various countries. This reflects the growing interest in our city, thanks to its diverse economic sectors, strategiclocation,skilledtalent,andthewiderange ofacademicprogramsanduniversitiesweoffer.
In this newsletter, you’ll find highlights of the activities we ' ve carried out recently. You'll also see our participation in key events, where we continue to build connections with companies interested in discovering Ensenada as an ideal destination to establishorexpandtheiroperations.
Our mission is clear: to be a strong partner for businesses looking to grow. That’s why we’ve been working closely with various local business chambers, each focused on strategic topics that help strengthen Ensenada’s business ecosystem and drive economic development and new opportunities.
Regards,
Kennya Vargas Maldonado
Executive director
FENDER RETENTION VISITS
SEATCOVERSUNLIMITED L.A.CETTO
On February 25th, we had a retention visit to Seat Covers Unlimited, where they shared information about their capabilities and experience in the sector. We thank Miguel Coronado for hishospitalityduringthetour.
The meeting was attended by Arturo Herrera, representative of SEI, and UshuaiaZepeda,promoter.
Later, we visited Vinos L.A. Cetto, one of the largest wine producers in the region, renownedforitshistoryandquality.
We thank Fernando Rodríguez for his willingness to share his experience in the sector. We continue to drive the growth and consolidation of the industry in our region.
MEETINGS
BI-MONTHLYREPORTINGMEETING:ENSENADAEDC
On March 5, we held our bimonthly report meeting, where Mario A. Peregrina, president; Kennya Vargas, director; and Ushuaia Zepeda, promoter, presented EnsenadaEDC'srecentactivities,aswellas the work plan for 2025, where we will continue to focus on the manufacturing, maritime, innovation, hospitality, and food and beverage sectors. During the session, the advances in strategic agendas, international events and company visits were discussed, in addition to highlighting the key projects we will be working on in 2025. A space to reflect on how, together, we can continue to drive the economic promotionofourregion.
On this occasion, we also welcomed Dallio, a new company to our membership. Specializing in optimized digital solutions, their focus is on simplifying complex processes and transforming user experiences through cutting-edge technology. They shared their vision and services, which include software development, process automation, scalable architectures, and customized product design. We thank all attendees for their participation and commitment. Their vision and support are key to continuing to strengthenEnsenada'seconomicgrowth.
MEETINGS
FENDER
INTERNATIONALWEEK-CETYS UNIVERSITY
On March 14, we participated in International Week 2025 at CETYS University, where experts and students from around the world exchanged ideas on economics and global development We presentedtheimpactofEnsenadaEDConregional economic development, highlighting opportunities for investment and bilateral collaboration. Academic sessions, company visits, and networking activities strengthened international and local connections Students from the US, France, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Vietnam contributed their global perspectives. We are grateful to CETYS University for creating spaces that foster global talent, with the participation of KennyaVargas,DirectorofEnsenadaEDC.
INTERNATIONALACADEMICMEETING
Tourism students from Johnson & Wales University, USA, visited CETYS University to learn about the tourism industry and regional economic development. Kennya Vargas Maldonado, Director of the Ensenada EDC, presented an overview of Ensenada, focusing on attracting tourism investment and projects such as health tourism and the Sassi del Valle theme complex. The students also exchanged ideas and received feedback on their project for a hotel chain We hope your stay in Ensenada has been enriching, filled with learning and experiences for your professionaldevelopment.
FENDERINTERNATIONAL VISITS
VISITOFCHINESECOMPANIES
On February 21 and 22, we welcomed suppliers to the Chinese home appliance industry for an agenda designed to connect, explore, and strengthenbusinesstiesinourregion.
We kicked off Friday with a visit to Hutchison Ports EIT, where business leaders learned about the operation of the Ensenada container terminal, a key hub for international trade. We then held a Business Seminar, in which Mario Peregrina, President of Ensenada EDC, and Kennya Vargas, Director of Ensenada EDC, presented the city's business ecosystem to local entrepreneurs. We concluded the day with a tour and tasting at Bodegas de Santo Tomás, where attendees enjoyed the flavors of Ensenada and shared a networkingopportunityoverdinner.
On Saturday, we toured the ONNI and Fimbres industrial parks, where the business leaders learned about some of the city's key industries firsthand We concluded the day with a meal at Maglen Resort, sampling the region's typical cuisineandstrengtheningstrategicconnections.
We thank all the companies that opened their doors to help us successfully carry out this agenda. Ensenada continues to consolidate its positionasakeydestinationforglobalinvestment andtrade.
On March 20, we had the opportunity to meet with the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Tijuana, Fu Xinrong, and her team, as part of Ensenada's twinning relationship with two Chinese cities. During the meeting, we shared a presentation on Ensenada's economic sectors, highlighting investment and collaboration opportunities. Participating in this session were Mario Peregrina, President of Ensenada EDC; Keiko Nishikawa, Vice President of Ensenada EDC; Kennya Vargas, Director of Ensenada EDC; Jared Gutiérrez, International Affairs; and Brenda Mendoza Kawanishi,CouncilwomanandPresidentof theMetropolitanAffairsCommission.
Ensenada EDC President Mario Peregrina attended the Franco-Mexican Executive Cocktail in Mexico City, focused on business with France. There, he greeted Delphine Borione, French Ambassador to Mexico, and participated in activities to explore business opportunities with Bpifrance. A private meeting was held to plan future collaboration agendas and strengthentherelationshipbetweenFrench companies and Ensenada's business community. In 2023, Bpifrance visited Ensenada, and since then we have consolidated ties and collaborated for economic development and new internationalopportunities.
FENDER EVENTS
INAUGURATIONOFTHERODRIGUEZ LOGISTICSGROUPOFFICES
On February 20th, we had the opportunity to attend this important event, which reinforces the key role of logistics in the economic development of our city. As a strategicportonthePacificcoastandwith its direct connection to the U.S. border, Ensenada is a key hub for international trade and attracting investment. The expansion of companies in this sector strengthens regional competitiveness and opens up new business opportunities. We wishthemmuchsuccessinthisnewphase and reiterate our support and collaboration to continue driving Ensenada'sgrowth.
Kennya Vargas, Director of Ensenada EDC, attendedthisevent.
PRESSCONFERENCE:LAUNCHOF NEWUTTENGINEERING
The president of Ensenada EDC, Mario A. Peregrina, attended the launch of two new engineering programs: Industrial Engineering and Industrial Maintenance, at the Universidad Tecnológica de Tijuana (UTT) at its Ensenada Campus. During the event, the importance of these new educational offerings aligned with the demands of the industrial sector was highlighted, ensuring stable, innovative, and sustainable economic development in the region. We continue to promote the connection between academia and the productive sector, ensuring a more competitive future prepared for the challengesof2030.
INTERNATIONA
On February 27, we attended the 154th anniversary celebration of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, where a well-deserved recognition was given to Jerry Sanders, who concludes his distinguished career as chamber president after more than a decade of leadership. His vision has been instrumental in strengthening binational ties and driving economic development in our region. Over the years, we have built a strategic relationship with the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, collaborating on trade missions, institutional visits, and, most recently, hosting a Business Seminar attheirfacilities.
This joint effort continues to reaffirm the commitment of both cities to the growth and integration of Calibaja as a binational megaregion. We recognize Jerry Sanders' invaluable work in building these ties and express our appreciation to Kenia Zamarripa, whose leadership remains key in promoting and strengthening binational cooperation.
We appreciate the invitation to this special event and wish them much success in the yearstocome,reiteratingourcollaboration to continue strengthening Calibaja's economicdevelopment.
On Thursday, March 26, the Ensenada Economic Development Commission (Ensenada EDC) and Grupo Logix organized a dialogue with business leaders in Ensenada. The meeting aimed to inform them about the interest of foreign companies in investing in this municipality, as well as to outline new actions to strengthen commercial ties with Indonesia, set goals, and explore business opportunities. The speaker was Mr Arturo Pérez Behr, CEO of Grupo Logix and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in BajaCalifornia
Engineer Mario A. Peregrina Brizuela, president of COPREEN, welcomed attendees and highlighted the various investment promotion and attraction agendasbeingpromotedbytheorganization He reported that despite the challenges and uncertainty posed by the imposition of tariffs by the United States on various sectors and products, there is still interest from companies from the United States, Canada, and Europe to invest in our city This is due to Ensenada's high competitiveness, its large talent pool, the quality of its production, competitive operating costs, and friendly business environment, which complement the city's location, connectivity, and diversityofeconomicsectors.
Hestressedtheimportanceofunderstandingthe current economic situation and turning this crisis intoagreatopportunityforthecity,
Taking advantage of the global advantages to which Ensenada has access, he also emphasized the need to explore new business tiesbeyondtraditionaltradelinkswiththeUnited States
Next, Mr Arturo Pérez Behr, from Baja California, continued with a presentation focused on the Indonesian market. During his remarks, he highlighted the products Indonesia imports and the industries in which companies in the region couldentertheirvaluechain Healsomentioned trade opportunities with China and the framework of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement(USMCA)
The business leaders in attendance, representing different economic sectors in Ensenada and Tijuana, actively participated, sharing ideas and concerns from their companies, focusing on key sectors such as wine,fishing,manufacturing,andlogistics
It was agreed to follow up on the topics discussed to explore business opportunities through the Indonesian consulate, embassy, andbusinessorganizations Themeetingformat was a success, and plans are underway to replicate it in the future to generate more business in the region through specific proposals.
EnsenadaisthewinecapitalofMexicoanda benchmark for craft beer nationwide. Its privileged climate, the tradition of its winemakers and brewers, and constant innovation in its processes have allowed the regiontocontinuegrowingandstandingout internationally. However, it has also evolved as a hub for scientific and technological developmentintheareasofbiosciencesand nanotechnology Thanks to the presence of prestigious research centers such as the Ensenada Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education (CICESE), the Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology (UNAMCNYN), and the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), the region has cultivated an innovation ecosystem that is driving the application of advanced technologiesintheindustry.
This growth is even more relevant in the context of events that highlight the region's wine and beer traditions “Ensenada Beer Fest”, Mexico's largest craft beer festival, is justafewweeksaway,andthe“Fiestasdela Vendimia” is just a few months away. This favorable environment for technological research and development opens up new opportunities for key sectors, such as winemaking and craft brewing To remain at the forefront, it is essential to integrate emerging technologies that optimize production, improve product quality, and make the industry more sustainable. Nanotechnology is emerging as a key solution to boost these sectors, providing improvements in fermentation, preservation, packaging,andsustainability.
ImprovingProductionwithNanotechnology.
Wine and beer production is a process that relies heavily on microbiological control and ingredient stability In this regard, nanotechnology has enabled the development of nanomaterials capable of optimizing these factorspreciselyandefficiently Forexample,the use of silver or copper nanoparticles in cleaning and disinfecting equipment reduces contamination, ensuring purer and more consistent fermentations. Furthermore, nanoscale biosensors can monitor critical variables such as pH, sugars, temperature, and contaminants in real time, optimizing decisionmakingduringproduction
ENSENADA: CITY OF KNOWLEDGE
ProductConservationandQuality.
One of the most important challenges in the wineandbeerindustryismaintainingproduct quality from bottling to consumption. Exposure to oxygen, light, and temperature variationscanaffecttheflavorandstabilityof these beverages To this end, nanostructured coatings have been developed for bottles and barrels that create barriers against oxygen and ultraviolet radiation, extending product shelf life without affecting its sensory profile
Additionally, nanometer-level filtration removesunwantedimpuritieswithoutaltering the color, aroma, or flavor of wine and beer, ensuringanexperiencethatismorefaithfulto theproducer'sintentions.
SustainabilityandWasteReduction.
OpportunitiesforEnsenada.
The growth of the wine and beer industry in Ensenadaalsoimpliesagreatercommitment to sustainability. Nanotechnology offers innovative alternatives for water reuse and waste reduction. For example, nanocatalysts have been developed that can accelerate the decomposition of organic compounds in industrial effluents, facilitating their treatment andreuse Nanoparticlesalsopurifythewater used in production processes, reducing consumption and improving the efficiency of breweriesandwineries
On the other hand, smart labels with nanomaterials allow monitoring of the freshness and quality of wine or beer during storage and distribution This not only helps prevent loss but also improves the consumer experiencebyensuringtheproducthasbeen storedinoptimalconditions.
Theapplicationofnanotechnologyinthewine and beer industries represents a strategic opportunity for Ensenada. The integration of these technologies not only improves product quality but can also attract investment and strengthen the region's position as a leader in innovation within the sector Companies and producers that adopt these solutions will be able to differentiate themselves in the market, reduce operating costs, and respond to the demands of modern consumers, who are increasingly seeking more sustainable and higher-qualityproducts.
Leveraging nanotechnology is not only a commitment to innovation, but a key strategy to consolidate Ensenada as a global leader in wine and beer production, ensuring its competitiveness in the future And what better timetodiscusstheseopportunitiesthanatthe “Ensenada Beer Fest” and the “Fiestas de la Vendimia”, where tradition, innovation, and business converge to define the future of the industry.
