January 11-17, 2025
HOT TOPICS:
Claudia Sheinbaum presentsambitiousplan
President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled "Plan México," an ambitious strategy to position Mexico among the world's top 10 economies Presented amid uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's second U.S. presidency, the plan outlines clear goals, including achieving 10th place in GDP rankings, boosting domestic production to supply 50% of national consumption, creating 1.5 million specialized jobs, and establishing 100 industrial parks. Additional objectives include making Mexico a top-five global tourist destination and reducing poverty and inequality. The plan emphasizes revitalizing domestic manufacturing, particularly in strategic sectors like textiles, and cutting business approval times in half It also proposes environmental policies and educational reforms to train 150,000 professionals annually in critical fields Economic analysts commend the plan's comprehensiveness but express concerns over funding feasibility and implementation.
Critics note a lack of focus on labor representation, while proponents view it as Mexico’s boldest industrial strategy in decades The government aims to counter U S protectionism by promoting "Made in Mexico" initiatives and reducing dependence on Chinese imports Despite skepticism about its execution, Plan México is considered a unifying and forward-looking initiative With an 80% approval rating, Sheinbaum's challenge lies in delivering tangible results amidst complex domestic and international pressures.
Source: BBC
JUDICIAL ELECTION
The Legislative Evaluation Committee (CEPL) began interviewing candidates for judicial positions on January 14, 2025, despite the judicial reform suspension Interviews occurred both in person at Xicoténcatl 9 and virtually on a secure platform. The Senate called the process a "historic milestone" for Mexico's judicial system However, the Judicial Evaluation Committee suspended its participation following a court injunction Supreme Court ministers debated the legality of this suspension, with Minister Lenia Batres demanding the committee's dismissal for overstepping its authority The process will conclude by February, selecting judges, magistrates, and ministers for various federal judicial roles
Source: ANIMAL POLÍTICO
NATIONAL PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT MOVES FORWARD
The Moral Economy and Labor Forum of the National Development Plan 2025-2030, held in La Paz, Baja California Sur, gathered 250 representatives from social, economic, and academic sectors. The forum aimed to address sustainable development, social inequality, and poverty through long-term planning, including improved infrastructure, energy transition, and digital accessibility. Federal investments were announced for mobility projects in Los Cabos and welfare programs, supporting education and health. The initiative continues the transformation agenda started by former President López Obrador, now led by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Source: EL SUDCALIFORNIANO
HOT TOPICS:
Businessleadersfrom Canada and Mexicomeet
"EXTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE"
President-elect Donald Trump announced the creation of the "External Revenue Service" to collect tariffs and foreign revenues, proposing duties of up to 25% on Mexico, Canada, and China for migration, drug, and trade-related issues. Experts criticized the lack of specifics and potential duplication of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) role. Critics noted the U.S. lacks mechanisms to directly tax foreign exporters, with tariffs already paid by importers The initiative reflects Trump's protectionist agenda to shield U S industries from cheaper foreign imports, marking a shift from historical free trade policies. Analysts warn of cross-border trade impacts and legal ambiguities.
Source: EL FINANCIERO
AWS INVESTEMENT
Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched its new data center region in Querétaro, Mexico, with a $5 billion investment, marking its first cloud infrastructure region in the country. AWS plans to train over 200,000 Mexicans in digital skills by 2026 The project positions Mexico as a technological hub, boosting its GDP by $10 billion over 15 years AWS emphasizes sustainability and digital transformation, joining other tech giants like Google and Microsoft
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
Mexican and Canadian business leaders agreed to collaborate closely amid political changes in North America, emphasizing dialogue and economic growth The first Mexico-Canada CEO Business Dialogue, attended by President Claudia Sheinbaum and Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, concluded with plans for regular meetings to address shared challenges and foster development The focus was on strengthening trade, enhancing regional competitiveness, and leveraging the USMCA to boost strategic value chains, investments, and sustainability.
Canadian delegation leader Goldy Hyder joined executives from major corporations, discussing bilateral trade, which reached $30 billion in 2024 Despite concerns over Donald Trump’s return as U.S. president, Mexican leaders expressed confidence in maintaining constructive partnerships Discussions also highlighted opportunities for investment and regional cooperation
Source: INFORMADOR MX
US-MEXICO SECURITY COOPERATION COMMENTS
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the cooperative stance of Marco Rubio, the incoming U.S. Secretary of State, on combating drug cartels. Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump, emphasized collaboration with Mexico to address cartel control in border regions, describing it as a "fact we must face together " Sheinbaum praised Rubio's commitment to coordination, aligning with Mexico's longstanding proposals. While Rubio acknowledged the option of designating cartels as terrorist organizations, he deemed it an "imperfect tool" and stressed broader cooperation Sheinbaum affirmed Mexico's readiness for high-level coordination under Trump's administration, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty. Amid tensions over trade, migration, and cartel violence, Sheinbaum reiterated that "the people govern Mexico," rejecting Trump's claims of cartel dominance
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
HOT TOPICS: Legislative and Regulatory Issues:
FINANCIAL
BILL TO AMEND AND ADD VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE LAW FOR TRANSPARENCY AND REGULATION OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, REGARDING THE REGULATION OF COLLECTION AGENCIES
Presented by: Claudia Alejandra Hernández Saenz
Objective: Mandates financial entities to continuously monitor the activities of their collection agencies and hold them accountable for actions that violate the provisions of the Law and applicable regulations
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
LABOR
INITIATIVE TO AMEND ARTICLES 86 AND 132 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW ON SALARY TRANSPARENCY
Presented by: Senator Olga Patricia Sosa Ruiz
Objective: Develop, in agreement with employees, a protocol to reduce and eliminate the gender wage gap. Promote activities necessary to close the gender wage gap
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
SUSTAINABILITY
INITIATIVE ON UNIVERSAL CHARGERS
Presented by: Senator Néstor Camarillo Medina
Objective: The initiative establishes the right for users to have electronic devices such as headphones, speakers, cameras, laptops, drones, toys, e-readers, microphones, mice, tablets, keyboards, mobile phones, portable navigation systems, video game consoles, or similar devices that can be charged via cable to use a USB-C type connection
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
INITIATIVE ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Presented by: Representative Alejandra Chedraui Peralta
The initiative establishes that companies or businesses will be responsible for the comprehensive management of their waste
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
