Mexico's Search for a Sustainable Economy

The Mexican Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources, Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada, recently took a trip to Seoul, South Korea, to sign a memorandum to develop positive environmental initiatives with the Global Green Growth Institute. He stated, “Everybody is part of the problem and everybody is part of the solution.” He went on to say, “GGGI has been a key center in pushing green growth policies throughout the world.” The goal is to establish the foundation of a green sustainable economy...more on MexicoToday.org.

Plasma Gasification Corp. Converts Waste to Energy

For the past three years, Plasma Gasification Corp., based in Monterrey, Mexico, has been developing a microwave-induced Plasma2Energy cellulose-to-energy system. The Plasma2Energy technology involves converting waste to energy through the biomass gasification process. By working with post-sorted municipal solid waste, the company’s technology has the power to help establish a more sustainable environmental economy...More on MexicoToday.org.

Plastics Industry to Expand Greatly before End of Year

Did you know that the plastics industry in Mexico has generated 15,000 new jobs in Mexico? Eduardo Martinez Hernandez, Chairman of the Mexican Association of Plastics Industry or Asociacion Nacional de Industrias del Plastico (ANIPAC), informed that businessmen in this sector are expecting a 9% growth in Mexico, among the highest in productive sectors.

Harley-Davidson Reveals New Generation of Dealerships in Mexico

A new dealership of the emblematic brand of motorcycles, Harley Davidson, will be opened this 2011 in Mexico. The 15th dealership in Mexico, will represent a new generation of dealerships. The inauguration ceremony was headed by Fausto Lopez, Harley-Davidson’s CEO in Mexico, who said: “At Harley-Davidson we are reaffirming our commitment to take customers closer to their dreams and create experiences of a lifetime… for a lifetime."

Mexico To Manufacture Aircraft with 100% Mexican Components

In the next ten years, Mexico will be manufacturing an aircraft made up of 100% domestic components. During a presentation at Mexico's Aerospace Summit in Chihuahua, Mexico, Luis Oliva, head of ProMexico's investment promotion and international business unit, said that foreign aerospace companies are investing more than $1 billion in manufacturing ventures in the country each year. As part of the Summit, representatives of the company Zodiac Aerospace signed an agreement to invest $14 million in the region's aerospace industry.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Shines in U.S. Slow Economy

According to studies found by NPD Group, the number of annual restaurant visits by a typical Millennial (person from 18-24 years old) has plummeted from 245 visits five years ago to 192 this year. As the economy in Europe and the U.S. lags, fast food restaurants are focusing on deals and cost-cutting measures again, something that can be challenging with high commodity costs and spikes in the price of some meats like pork. So what's Chipotle's secret? Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has managed to handle the downturn quite well because its tip-less at-the-counter service is more attractive to consumers trying to save money.

Greek Crisis Affects Mexican Peso Today

The 120-day correlation coefficient between Mexican bonds and Treasuries dropped to a nine-month low of 0.29 from a high of 0.57 last week.

Mexico’s bonds, the emerging-market securities most correlated with U.S. Treasuries, are no longer moving in lockstep with debt from its northern neighbor as Europe’s debt crisis curbs demand for all but the safest assets.

“We expect the European authorities to finally react,” said Alonso Madero, who helps manage about $5.5 billion at Corp. Actinver SAB, in a telephone interview from Mexico City. “We would expect confidence to return to the markets little by little and see the same correlation return.”

Mexico follows Thailand, South Korea and Russia adding Gold Reserves to Its Coffers

Gold had its worst weekly performance in more than four months after investors sold metal alongside global equities and other commodities on growing concern that the global economy will enter a second phase of economic crisis. Global stocks entered a difficult market for the first time in more than two years this week: oil touched a six-week low and copper fell to the lowest level in a year, numbers that display worries that the debt crisis in Europe may escalate as the U.S. faces another recession. The Federal Reserve said Sept. 21 there are “significant downside risks” to the outlook. Although its value has decreased, last month Russia’s central bank increased its gold reserves from 27 million at the end of July to 27.2 million troy ounces. This Sept. 20, Bank Rossii joined Thailand, South Korea and Mexico in adding the metal to their coffers.

How Everyday Things are Made: Lesson by Stanford University

If you've ever wondered how everyday items such as cars, candy or a home appliance are made, click on this link on the manufacturing industry that will walk you through a presentation that will show you the basics of manufacturing. A must see!

Spirited Business Travelers: Must-see Mezcalerias in Mexico City

Mexico is known for being the home of tequila as well as ice-cold, refreshing Micheladas. Now, however, what is most popular is the Mexican liquor called Mezcal, an agave-based spirit similar to tequila. What used to be demeaningly considered 'for construction workers', "now has a very good image", says Junior Merino, owner of a cocktail consultant company, The Liquid Chef. "What's trending now in Mexico is the mezcalerias," he adds explaining that, "A lot of people are opening places dedicated to mezcal, not tequila. You find artisanal products, different varieties; sometimes the bottles don't even have labels." Place like Nobu and China Grill are both trending in the renovated Santa Fe district of Mexico City.

Mexico's Booming Garment Manufacturing Industry

Did you know that not only is Mexico a leader in the automobile and aerospace engineering and manufacturing industries, but in the textile manufacturing business as well? According to data from Banxico (Banco de Mexico), the Mexican Chamber of Garments Industry, and Camara Nacional de la Industria del Vestido (Canaive), sales of clothing garments made in Mexico abroad are assisting national production levels from falling. Banxico’s data reveals that exports have started growing over the past 2 years; in the first half of 2010 they grew 5.3% and from January to June 2011 growth was 7.8%.

NAFTA: U.S. Should Work More with Canada and Mexico

When it comes to Mexico foreign direct investment, many opine that NAFTA should be more widely implemented and it would be beneficial to not only Mexico's manufacturing industry, but for the U.S. economy to increase trade relations between the three countries. From an article written by Robert A. Pastor, a professor at American University and author of "The North American Idea: A Vision of a Continental Future," for the SFGate:

North America's share of the world gross product soared from 29 percent in 1994 to 36 percent in 2001. Since then, it has declined to where it was in 1994. Together, the three governments could recover our past success and spread the increasing benefits to those in our countries that have been left behind. It all starts with a North American idea - a healthy respect for our neighbors and a determination to create a formidable regional community.

Italy's Credit Rating Lowered by Standard and Poor-Austerity Measures Labeled 'Insufficient'

Due to its higher-than-expected levels of government debt and weakening economic growth, Standard and Poor has lowered Italy's credit rating a notch - to "A/A-1" from "A+/A-1+." "We believe the reduced pace of Italy's economic activity to date will make the government's revised fiscal targets difficult to achieve," S&P said. The downgrade comes after the European Central Bank demanded this summer that Italy apply stiff austerity measures to calm investors facing doubts about how capable Italy is about handling its outrageous debt. Italy is the eurozone's No. 3 economy and has a deficit to gross domestic product ratio of 120 percent, one of Europe's highest. From NPR.org:

The bank has spent billions over the last month buying up Italian government bonds in a bid to lower Italy's borrowing costs and keep it from becoming the next eurozone nation to need an international bailout. The S&P downgrade, however, could lead to higher borrowing costs for Italy because it implies that investors face greater risks when buying Italian debt.

Mexican Soft Drink Company Coca-Cola Femsa to Acquire Grupo Cisma Bottler

Today, in Invest in Mexico news, it's been reported that Coca-Cola Femsa is going to buy local Mexican bottler company Grupo Cimsa. Putting refreshments in the hands of over 5 million people by working with over 70,000 retailers, Cimsa has been valued at $838 million by Coca-Cola Femsa. Read more about this piece of manufacturing news in the official release by the Mexican soft drink maker.

Turkish Stocks Rebounds to World's Best this Month as Banks Cut Rates

“Foreigners are just starting to realize that our central bank is doing great things for bank earnings at the moment, and the ISE is going to outperform as long as banks are being bought,” said Isik Okte, a trader at Finans Invest, an Istanbul-based brokerage. As this Bloomberg.com article suggests, Turkey “may actually be at the forefront of central bank policy-making,” and countries including Mexico, South Africa, Hungary and Poland may follow, Anne, the head of emerging-market strategy at Societe Generale, said in an interview.

Nissan Investment in Mexico to Reach $328 Million

During the celebration of Nissan Mexicana’s 50th anniversary, President and CEO, Jose Muñoz, announced that the company will invest US$328 million more in their two plants in Mexico, located in Aguascalientes and Morelos. These resources will be allocated to manufacture new models like a multi-purpose vehicle based in V platform, which is assembled in the Aguascalientes plant, as well as the manufacturing of the Taxi of Tomorrow for New York City, which will be assembled at the CIVAC Plant located in Cuernavaca, Morelos and which is expected to be launched in 2013.

Latin American Stocks Rise on European Optimism for Greece

Latin American stocks rose yesterday after European leaders rallied to prevent a Greek default and stem the debt crisis in the euro zone. Volume in Mexico and Brazil remained in line with recent sessions and did not suggest that investors were flocking back to the region's stocks. "The message they wanted to portray is that Greece is and will remain part of the euro zone. They made it sound to me, as a pretty strong commitment from all sides," said Alberto Bernal, head of analysis at Bulltick Capital Markets in Miami.

Vegas Caters to Thousands of Mexican Visitors for Independence Day

At least six-thousand Mexicans will be flying in for the "Dieciseis de Septiembre" holiday (Mexican Independence Day) tomorrow -- and this figure doesn't even include the others that may be driving in. Casinos and hotels are eager to receive Mexican vacationers since these visitors normally stay in Las Vegas longer and spend more money-- $1,000 each, excluding gambling. Mexican visitors are eager to come to Las Vegas for vacation, a place that's close to home but at the same time has an international feel and is ready and eager to host this rush of visitors. "It's a vast amount of people coming in from Mexico," said McCarran International Airport spokesman, Chris Jones. "The airport's happy to accommodate them, obviously. (It) means money coming in and supporting our community, our economy and jobs."

Euro Debt Concerns Ease and Mexico Stocks Close Higher

After the emergency teleconference in which the European leaders spoke about ways to prevent the Greek default, Mexico's IPC index gained 2.1% for second-straight winning session. The talks taking place these past two days have eased the fears of the dreaded Greek default -- making Mexican stocks OHL Mexico, America Movil and Chedraui among the top gainers of the session.

Mexico Rises 8 Ranks on 2011-2012 Global Competitiveness Report

Mexico beat it's own 2010-2011 ranking of No. 66 in global competitiveness, according to the World Economic Forum’s GCI Report. The 2011-2012 Global Competitiveness Report states that Mexico has “one of the highest improvements in regional rankings.” Mexico’s global competitiveness ranking rose eight spots from last year; Mexico currently holds No. 58 on this list. In addition to making significant improvements in technology and economic policy, Mexico is also emerging as an ideal market for entrepreneurs.