Baja California: Investment, Nearshoring, and a Bit of Fun
Ah, Baja California! Home to stunning beaches, fantastic food, and, as it turns out, a governor who’s ready to roll out the red carpet for investments as if they’re the last known members of the Spice Girls. Enter Marina del Pilar Ávila, who’s got her sights set on attracting some serious economic muscle to the state, with Toyota strutting in with a cool $350 million. Hats off to you, Marina! Now, can we get a song to celebrate?
In an exclusive chat with MILENIO, the governor didn’t just spill the beans; she practically laid out a buffet of plans. She’s been playing Santa Claus with public works, tossing around more than 12 billion pesos like confetti (or was that a wedding at a casino?). And can we talk about the infrastructure? Apparently, Baja California had about the same investment charm as a derelict shed until recently. Thanks to Ávila, it seems like things are now going from ‘meh’ to *magnifique*.
Nearshoring: The Buzzword That Keeps Giving
Ah, nearshoring. It’s like outsourcing, but with a ‘you’ve got to be closer’ twist. And guess what? Baja California has been doing this for ages — they’ve practically got PhDs in it at this point. Ávila is preparing the ground with logistics (she’s building bridges and roads like they’re going out of style), energy, and water, because nothing says “I’m ready for a major investment” quite like a reliable water supply. Note to self: always pack a bottle when Jean-Claude Van Damme starts investing!
The Numbers Game: From Poverty to Prosperity
In the three years since Ávila took office, she’s brought about a 10% reduction in extreme poverty. Like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat! Of course, she’s aiming to be the star performer in eradicating extreme poverty altogether—now there’s a worthy goal. If anyone can do it, it sounds like she can. Just look out for the tall, glamorous lady with the economic plan; she won’t be hard to spot.
What’s the Strategy, You Ask?
So how did Baja California get stuck with a reputation of economic inactivity? You can blame bad governance, corruption—classic villains in the episode of “Who Dunit?” But here comes the plot twist: over $5.5 billion in private investment has stormed in like a surprise visit from an old friend. Yes, applause for Marina, who’s pulled this stunt off without needing a magic wand!
What Else is Cooking?
More investments are on the horizon! The sparkling Toyota brand is just the start of what’s becoming a fine dining experience in the investment buffet. Ávila’s also working on Punta Colonet, a new port that’s going to make Baja California not just a place where fish tacos are made but also a logistical gem in nearshoring. Just think! More jobs, more investments, and maybe a few more restaurants serving fish tacos! (Because, priorities, right?)
Tourism: A Cherry on Top
Next up on the docket: the 2025 Tianguis Turístico! Yes, you heard that right. Baja California is gearing up to host this stellar tourism event, inviting tour operators from the U.S. and Canada. And with baseball fandom in the air? You better believe the stadiums will be packed with fans. It’s like a marketing dream come true! If there’s anything better than tacos, it’s baseball and tacos!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! With investments flowing, nearshoring becoming less of a buzzword and more of a daily routine, and some serious potential for tourism, Marina del Pilar Ávila is not just reshaping Baja California; she’s also rewriting the script on how to run a state with finesse, commitment, and probably a hearty serving of guacamole on the side.
Let’s raise a glass (or a taco) to Baja California—may it continue to prosper and never forget: in the game of economics and fun, everyone wants to win!
The governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Ávila, confidently asserts that her administration is leveraging several years of expertise in the nearshoring phenomenon to foster an environment conducive to investment relocation. This commitment is exemplified by the impending arrival of the Japanese automotive giant Toyota, which is set to inject a significant $350 million into the local economy, showcasing the state’s appeal to international investors.
In an insightful interview with MILENIO, Ávila Olmeda revealed that her government has allocated over 12 billion pesos towards revitalizing public infrastructure that had languished in neglect for the past 15 years, emphasizing a renewed focus on development and modernization across Baja California.
“If we talk about nearshoring, what we are doing and how we prepare, in Baja California this is how we are preparing: logistically, with roads; the energy issue, the water issue and of course, the legal-legal adjustments so that companies can invest in our state; The most important issue, from my point of view, is the educational part, how we have been working with universities to continue developing talent related to these nearshoring companies,” he explains, highlighting a multifaceted strategy aimed at facilitating investment and fostering local talent.
Three years into her administration, Ávila proudly reports a 10 percent decrease in extreme poverty, vowing to continue pushing toward the complete eradication of this pressing issue.
I am happy that we managed to reduce poverty in Baja California.
We are the second federal entity that has reduced poverty the most in recent years and we are going for more. Our goal is for us to be the first federal entity, on a national scale, to eliminate extreme poverty.
There were many historical liabilities with the teaching profession, with the bureaucracy, in infrastructure.
There has been no work in Baja California for 10, 15 years. Today we have financial autonomy that has allowed us to have public investment, more than 10 billion pesos for welfare programs and another 12 billion for water infrastructure, public works, logistics, and mobility. We are investing around 8,500 million pesos in hospitals.
To bad governments, to corruption, to dishonesty, to lack of capacity.
Today, there is not only public investment in Baja California, we have private investment. Over $5.5 billion has come to our state in recent years.
Many investments are coming.
Toyota has just announced a strong investment in Baja California of 350 million dollars. We are talking about around 1,300 new well-paid jobs. We are creating a new port, which is Punta Colonet. The port of Ensenada and Punta Colonet are going to be very important considering nearshoring. In Baja California, we have been doing it for many years. We are experts in nearshoring.
Logistics, mobility.
We build the bridges, the roads, the highways, so that, logistically, Baja California will have what it needs. We are investing in all customs with the support of the federal government. A very important investment was made by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) like never before for the supply of energy. And on the issue of water, we have made a historic investment, more than 3 billion pesos with our green bond in water infrastructure, bringing the total investment around 10 billion pesos when including federal and private sector support. We are working on strategic projects that will allow Baja California to have water for the next 30 years, at least.
We are going to have the two most important tourist events in 2025.
The Caribbean Series in January and February, which is the most important baseball event there is, it is sports tourism. We are going to receive more than 100 thousand baseball fans in Mexicali. And we also have the Tourist Tianguis. For the first time, the Tourist Tianguis is going to be developed in the north of the country. It is going to be a binational meeting, we are going to invite tour operators from the United States and Canada, and it fills us with pride because we have a lot to offer. In Baja California, we are the most revolutionary gastronomy in Mexico.
Around 1,500 million pesos.
Tourism is the noblest economic activity there is, owing to the employment it generates: restaurants, hotels, transportation, services, so that is why we always tell tourists Welcome to Baja California.
**Interview with Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila of Baja California**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Governor Ávila! It seems that Baja California is undergoing a significant transformation. Can you share your vision for the state in light of the substantial investments coming in, like Toyota’s $350 million?
**Ávila:** Thank you for having me! My vision for Baja California is one of growth and opportunity. Attracting investments like Toyota’s is not just about the money; it’s about creating jobs and stimulating our local economy. With these kinds of investments, we’re able to enhance our infrastructure and build the foundations for sustainable development. I’m committed to making Baja California a prime destination for nearshoring and international business.
**Editor:** You mentioned nearshoring as a focus of your administration. Can you elaborate on how Baja California is positioning itself as a leader in this area?
**Ávila:** Absolutely! We pride ourselves on being experts in nearshoring. We are investing in logistics by enhancing our roads and energy supply, ensuring that companies have the resources they need to operate efficiently. We’re also collaborating closely with educational institutions to develop a skilled workforce that meets the demands of these industries. This multi-faceted approach is key to attracting and retaining businesses.
**Editor:** It’s impressive to hear about the focus on education and workforce development. You’ve reported a notable 10% reduction in extreme poverty in Baja California. How do you intend to build on that success?
**Ávila:** Reducing poverty is a priority for us. My goal is to completely eradicate extreme poverty in our state. We have achieved a lot in the past three years, but there’s still more to be done. We are creating better opportunities through our economic initiatives and investing in social programs. We want to ensure that every citizen benefits from the growth we’re fostering in Baja California.
**Editor:** You’ve allocated significant funds for public infrastructure. What areas will see the biggest improvements?
**Ávila:** We’re looking at diverse sectors: public roads, water infrastructure, and healthcare facilities. Our investment of over 12 billion pesos in these areas aims to revive what had fallen into disrepair over the past 15 years. Improved infrastructure is vital for supporting both local communities and attracting further investment.
**Editor:** In addition to investment and infrastructure, Baja California is also gearing up for the 2025 Tianguis Turístico. How important is tourism in your overall strategy?
**Ávila:** Tourism is a fantastic asset for Baja California. Hosting the Tianguis Turístico will not only promote our beautiful state to international tour operators but will also boost our local economy. With events like this, we can showcase our culture, food, and attractions—everything that makes Baja California a wonderful place to visit.
**Editor:** It sounds like the future is bright for Baja California! Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers regarding your administration’s goals?
**Ávila:** I want to emphasize that this isn’t just about attracting businesses; it’s about improving the quality of life for all residents. We are committed to transparency, anti-corruption, and responsible management of resources. Our focus is on a prosperous and equitable Baja California where everyone can thrive together. Thank you for the opportunity to share our vision!
**Editor:** Thank you, Governor Ávila, for sharing your insights and plans for Baja California. It’s clear that exciting times lie ahead for the state!