mARCH 2012 52 Investing in Mexico www.lawyer-monthly.com

Investing in

Mexico

Mexico was badly hit by the global recession, but since the beginnings of its recovery, this vast country has experienced rapid growth thanks to rising foreign investment. According to preliminary numbers released by the Economy Ministry, foreign direct investment into Mexico reached $2.55 billion in the third quarter of 2011, bringing FDI for the first nine months of the year to $13.43 billion. The number of FDI projects into the country rose by 19%, with the transport sector experiencing substantial growth. The manufacturing industries accounted for 41.5% of the total FDI in the first nine months, followed by financial services and commerce. This month, Lawyer Monthly speaks to Ed Bourgoing from Intellectual Property Guardians in Mexico.

M

exico has the second largest economy in the Latin American

region, and the 11th largest in the world. It is home to a population of 110.6 million inhabiting an area which spans 1.96 million sq km (758,449 sq miles). Mexico is a major oil producer and exporter, trading mostly with the US, however other

exports include machinery and transport equipment, mineral fuels and lubricants, food and live animals. Although there are some areas of affluence, there is also great poverty and the Mexican socio-economic gap remains relatively wide. Not only are there many opportunities for investors in Mexico,

but the country’s strategic position in relation to the US also makes it an attractive location, providing a convenient access route into North America. The business environment is one of the region’s most prosperous, facilitated by its skilled population, its strategic location, the existence of specialized clusters in certain