KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT

ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

He emphasized the inconsistency of establishing a plant in Mexicali due to its water scarcity, especially if the product is intended for export. He mentioned that the company Constellation Brands has already started the construction of a new brewery in Veracruz, where water is abundant, and innovative technology is being utilized. The strategic location of the Veracruz plant near the port will facilitate successful exports.

• Quintana Roo: President Lopez Obrador further emphasized his commitment to preventing further encroachment on the Sian Ka’an Biosphere and protecting the environment. He spoke against corrupt practices in land development and highlighted ongoing efforts to regulate and plan urban development in the region. The President’s visit to Tulum aims to address these issues and ensure responsible and sustainable development in the area. Additionally, he reiterated that there are no forced evictions occurring in the country, seeking to address concerns about land tenure and rights.

Infrastructure

• Passenger train: President Lopez Obrador discussed the ambitious plan for passenger train projects, including the Tren Maya, Interoceanic, Toluca-City of Mexico, two in Jalisco, and Felipe Angeles. The Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport, Jorge Nuño, provided details on the suburban railway from Buenavista to the Felipe Angeles Airport, with an investment of over 25 billion pesos. The route is expected to take 39 minutes, with 10 trains carrying 719 passengers each. Another official, Manuel Gerardo Gomez Parra, presented the strategy for the new train branch from Lecheria to the AIFA, currently 43% completed, with plans to finish the civil work by February 2024 and begin testing in April to June. Additionally, the President highlighted the collaborative efforts between the federal government and the governments of Mexico City and the State of Mexico to construct the Trolleybus connecting Chalco and Iztapalapa, benefiting millions in the eastern part of the city. The projects aim to improve mobility, connectivity, and economic development in the region.

Health

• Hepatitis C: Subsecretary Lopez-Gatell, emphasized the importance of combating Hepatitis C on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day. Intravenous drug use and contaminated needles contribute significantly to the spread of the virus, caus-

Keypoints Of President

ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

ing severe liver conditions. In Mexico, Hepatitis C transmission is also linked to drug use, especially crystal methamphetamine, and unsafe sexual practices. To eliminate the virus, the government is implementing comprehensive measures, including healthcare personnel training, free diagnostic tests, and access to effective treatment. Since 2020, the country has expanded testing and treatment availability, reaching millions of people, with thousands currently undergoing treatment. The goal is to protect public health, reduce infection rates, and improve the well-being of the population.

• Fake drinks: In a press conference, a reporter mentioned Coca-Cola’s lawsuit against fake beverage laboratories, which COFEPRIS has not responded to yet. Hugo Lopez-Gatell, the subsecretary of health, stated that COFEPRIS investigates when there are complaints about violations of regulations and has received anonymous reports about counterfeit bottled beverages. They are currently conducting investigations to identify those involved and the product’s composition. Lopez-Gatell praised COFEPRIS’s efforts to eliminate corrupt private interests and regularly issue statements when potential health risks are found. He clarified that while sugary beverage consumption is a public health concern, the issue of pirated beverages, while taken seriously, does not pose a significant public health risk.