Chinese Investors Show Interest in Chetumal’s ‘Polo del Bienestar’ Development Zone

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Chinese companies are among several international firms expressing interest in investing in the newly established “Polo del Bienestar” economic development zone in Chetumal, according to state economic development officials.

Paul Carrillo de Cáceres, Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Economic Development, confirmed at least eight companies have shown interest in establishing operations in the zone, with Chinese firms particularly drawn to logistics opportunities.

“To date, we’ve received interest from eight companies whose names I cannot disclose for confidentiality reasons,” Carrillo de Cáceres said. “All are awaiting the freight train and airport facility developments. I’m amazed by the interest from Chinese companies, though there are also American and Mexican firms.”

The official noted that company installations are pending the creation of a new trust fund that will serve as the vehicle for future investments. This fund is expected to be ready within three months, though Carrillo de Cáceres emphasized this is primarily an administrative matter, with the key focus being which companies will ultimately establish themselves in Chetumal.

Development Timeline and Incentives

Carrillo de Cáceres anticipates preparing the development zone could take the entire current administration, but once legal and financial foundations are established, attracting new capital should accelerate significantly.

The state is working to align incentives offered at municipal, state, and federal levels to consolidate the Polo del Bienestar. Current incentives include:

• 100% tax reduction on fixed asset investments
• 8% VAT rate
• Zero income tax for five years
• Municipal discounts on licenses and permits
• State support for all procedures through a “single window” system

Early Progress and Specific Investments

The first tangible progress includes construction beginning on hangars for aeronautical company Zenith at Chetumal Airport. Zenith plans to later establish workshops in the Polo del Bienestar to begin repairing engines for export abroad.

Zenith’s investment totals $24.3 million for two business units: the Zenith MRO Maintenance Workshop and Zenith Cargo Terminal.

As part of this investment, Alberta Aviation Capital Corporation (AAC) has also announced its participation, sending its aircraft for maintenance in Chetumal and using cargo services for shipments to the Caribbean and Central America.