Yucatán Needs Infrastructure Boost for Economic Growth

Mérida, Yucatán — Yucatán has consolidated itself as a dynamic economy, but it is necessary to improve its infrastructure to strengthen its competitiveness, according to Víctor Gómez Ayala, director of economic analysis at Finamex.

“It is essential to integrate the development of the Port of Progreso with the metropolitan area of Mérida, improving connectivity and travel times. Additionally, collaboration with the Maya Train will be essential to facilitate communication with the northern border,” Gómez Ayala stated.

He explained that in recent years, there has been notable growth in industrial activity and the construction sector, driven by infrastructure development such as the Port of Progreso and the Maya Train. “This has allowed Yucatán to leverage public investment to enhance its commercial capacity with the exterior,” he said.

In general terms, he declared that Yucatán is characterized by being a very dynamic economy. Ultimately, as with most economies in the south of the country, it focuses on the tertiary sector of economic activity; that is, services and commerce, but in recent years there has been significant growth in industrial activity and the construction sector, he said.

Furthermore, he considered that “this is largely accompanied by a process of infrastructure development; the impact of the development of the Port of Progreso and especially the Maya Train is not minor.

“I believe that unlike other infrastructure projects in the southeast, Yucatán knows how to leverage public sector infrastructure investment to enhance its capacity for foreign trade.”

In an interview granted to Diario de Yucatán, in the context of Finamex’s recent presentation in Yucatán, Gómez Ayala shared his perspective on the economic future of Yucatán, highlighting both its competitive advantages and the disadvantages it faces compared to other states in the country.

Growth for Yucatán

Gómez Ayala identified several areas with high growth potential for the coming year.

“The development of Mérida is improving mobility and metropolitan integration, which can energize the tertiary sector, especially tourism and industry,” he indicated.

He also emphasized the importance of Mexico’s integration in the global context, highlighting that the Port of Progreso is key for the relocation of commercial chains and attracting investments.

“Investment in high-quality manufacturing industries, especially in food and basic products, could be significant,” he commented.

“I believe that at the level of the service industry, particularly the development of the city of Mérida brings a process of mobility development.

“The mechanisms of metropolitan integration that the city develops and its integration with the development of the Port of Progreso project can further energize the tertiary market.

“The commercial part and other services can go hand in hand by gradually transferring the dynamics we see in the construction sector towards tertiary activities,” he added.

Regarding the preparation of the Yucatecan labor market to receive higher value-added industries, Gómez Ayala was optimistic.

“Educational indicators in the state are favorable. The location of university centers and the average level of schooling are better than in many other entities,” he assured.

Training

The interviewee considered that Yucatán is labor-ready.

“If we look at the indicators of the educational sector, the average level of schooling, the location of different university centers in the entity, they do stand out and the levels of development are contrasting, even when from the multidimensional measurement of the Human Development Index, the well-being indicators for the entity in the educational sector stand out compared to the region,” he said.

“If we compare it only with neighbors in the Peninsula area, of course it is better prepared than other entities and even at the level of entities in the center of the country.

“I believe it is a process that will occur gradually and I believe that in this development, let’s say of an orderly transition towards higher quality industrial models, the state can migrate there without problems.”

When addressing the topic of tourism, Gómez Ayala warned of the impact of the economic slowdown in the country, which he warned could affect domestic demand.

“The weakness of the dollar has also reduced Mexico’s competitiveness as a tourist destination, although conditions are expected to improve slightly in the coming year,” he explained.