DestInatIon Holbox Treasure Island

In

Co ast
fr

un ru
tr ct
y’s ur
e
growth
towards
the
oceans
5
Port facilities improve
links to the world

An Oasis of Competitiveness
Industrial Parks
Electrical Infrastructure
Development and Progress

logistics
V - 2009

A Matter of Business
2 Negocios

Firms
6
Country’s Infrastructure,
34
Outstanding Opportunities
By Bruno Ferrari

mexico
grows
towards
the
oceans
Port facilities improve
links to the world

11 Briefs 14 Report

Contents 14 Mexico’s Partner 40 Figures

8 Business tips: logistics, a matter of business

An oasis of
21 Competitiveness
A vital Industrial parks:
circulatory Infrastructure,
system communications and
security.

18
Every year in Mexico,
574 million tons of merchandise
move through a 360,000
kilometers road network.

30
Electrical
Infrastructure
Development
and Progress
A Competitive
Country

Mexico is a country of young people. During the next 30 years, the working popu-
lation will rise to 69 million.

3 million

250,000

2,539

Higher Postgraduate students Young

Education students
Institutes

Mexico prepares competitive, higly qualified professionals to meet the needs of the
country’s industrial sector.

Advantages of Investing in Mexico:

Access to the North American market, which shares the same time zone.

Qualified personnel in English and Spanish, two of the three most spoken languages
in the world.
4 Negocios

Directory
42
ProMéxico CEO
Bruno Ferrari
 
ProMéxico Image and
Communications Director
Ricardo Rojo
 
Proméxico
Managing Coordinator
Andrés Tamariz

Proméxico Advertising
and Suscriptions
Miguel Ángel Samayoa
negocios@promexico.gob.mx

Proméxico
copy editing
Gabriela Mejan Ganem

Interview taller méxico

Publisher
javier marín Alejandro Serratos
a.serratos@tallermexico.com
Art in Motion
Taller México
general manager
Emmilú López Valtierra
emmilu@tallermexico.com

Taller México
copy Editing

The lifestyle Contents Felipe Zúñiga

felipe@tallermexico.com

Piso de ediciones
senior writer
Vanesa Robles
vanesarobles@gmail.com

60
Destination
teasure Taller México
design director

island
Jorge Silva
jorge@tallermexico.com

A secret that can no Taller México

longer be kept Design
Ma. Elena López
m.lopez@tallermexico.com
Juan Pablo R. Valadez
juanpablo@tallermexico.com
51 The Lifestyle Briefs 54 Report
A Cyclone of Piso de ediciones
Staff Writers
48 Design Crafts Exports Karla Juárez
Across the Mexican businessman and artisan Sandra Roblagui
tassier universe Oscar Daniel Hernández Lucila Valtierra
The only Latin American Mauricio Zabalgoitia
designer who has won the 58 Technology
Proof Reading
Sir Misha Black Medal Award A well connected And Translation
country Lozano Translations
Mexico surfs the web
contributors
Oldemar, Vanesa Robles,
René Valencia, Francisco Vernis.

This is an editorial project for ProMéxico

ProMéxico is not responsible for inaccurate information or omissions that might exist in the information provided by the participant companies nor of by Taller México & Piso de Ediciones.
their economic solvency. Title certificate of lawfulness 008404. Text certificate of lawfulness 5017. Number of Title Reserve 04-2005-11292235400-
102. Postal Registry PP09-0044. Responsible editor: manager in turn of the publications department. Printing: Cía Impresora El Universal, S.A. de
C.V. Distribution: ProMéxico Camino a Sta Teresa 1679, México D.F., 01900. Phone: +52 (55) 5447 7000. Negocios is an open space where diverse
opinions can be expressed. The institution might or might not agree with an author’s statements; therefore the responsibility of each text falls on the
writers, not on the institution, except when it states otherwise. Although this magazine verifies all the information printed on its pages, it will not accept
Download the PDF version of Negocios
responsability derived from any omissions, inaccuracies or mistakes. magazine in www.promexico.gob.mx
 An Amazing Country

One out of every 10 cars sold in the

United States is made in Mexico

Mexico is one of the leading car

manufacturers in the world, in 2008 alone
this industry’s exports exceeded 55 billion dollars.

Last year, Mexico exported 80 million mobile

telephones and manufactured one out of every
four televisions sold in the United States.
In the same period, the country's Information
Technology (IT) industry experienced 15% growth.
It is quickly evolving into Business Procces
Outsourcing (BPO). In Mexico, there are more
than 2,000 companies and 500,000 professionals
specialized in IT.

With more than 190

established companies,
Mexico is the sixth largest
aeroespace industry
supplier to Europe and
the ninth to the United States.

Mexico is one of the world's top ten

tourist destinations. Each year over 21 million
visitors enjoy the 7,000 km of beaches, as well as the
country’s colonial cities and archaeological sites.
Currently there are important infrastructure projects
underway that will help the tourism industry and will
allow Mexico to be the ideal destination for retirees
looking for a second residence or wishing
to settle in the country.
6 Negocios

From the CEO.

Country’s Infrastructure outstanding opportunities

M exico keeps working to strengthen its participation in

the global economy. Among other emerging markets, the
country stands out with several competitive advantages
that make it a unique destination for productive
investment.

One of these advantages is the country’s infrastructure. Mexico is fully equipped

for international businesses. Its transport system not only offers the ability to ship
merchandise within the country and its growing internal market, but also allows fast
access to North American and Latin American markets. Mexican roads, railroads,
airports and seaports provide logistics solutions for international companies’ imports
and exports, allowing them to take advantage of the country’s location. Investment
also finds the best conditions for its development in Mexico.

Although infrastructure in Mexico is fully set and provides businesses with

remarkable advantages at competitive costs, it is facing one of the most important
challenges in its history. The huge growth in Mexican foreign trade, in addition to the
increase in traffic of merchandise arriving at our ports, the increasing energy needs
for productive activities and the country’s position as a destination for productive
investment, is requiring a quick response from the infrastructure sector to improve
efficiency and cost savings. Therefore, an aggressive program to improve Mexican
infrastructure is being undertaken. Over the next few years, Mexico will become one
of the best logistics platforms in the world, due to strong public and private investment
in its infrastructure development and expansion.

This month’s issue of Negocios features an overview of our country’s logistics

infrastructure and the outstanding opportunities it offers to global businesses.

Welcome to Mexico.

Bruno Ferrari,
ProMéxico CEO
 offices abroad
ProMéxico Headquarters
+ 52 (55) 544 77070
promexico@promexico.gob.mx
www.promexico.gob.mx
America
Sao Paulo Regional Director
pedro.pinson@promexico.gob.mx
Offices: Buenos Aires, Bogota, Guatemala,
Santiago, Sao Paulo
Buenos Aires
hector.zires@promexico.gob.mx
Bogota
carlos.edgar@promexico.gob.mx
Guatemala
ignacio.elias@promexico.gob.mx
Santiago
emilio.lopez@promexico.gob.mx
Sao Paulo
juan.pintoribeiro@promexico.gob.mx
Houston Regional Director
carlos.marron@promexico.gob.mx
Offices: Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles,
San Francisco, Vancouver
Dallas
diana.castaneda@promexico.gob.mx
Houston
luis.peralta@promexico.gob.mx
Los Angeles
mario.juarez@promexico.gob.mx
San Francisco
ricardo.vargas@promexico.gob.mx
Vancouver
carlos.cacho@promexico.gob.mx
New York Regional Director
gerardo.patino@promexico.gob.mx
Offices: Chicago, Miami, Montreal,
New York
Chicago
miguel.leaman@promexico.gob.mx
Miami
gabriel.perez@promexico.gob.mx
Montreal
alfonso.mojica@promexico.gob.mx
New York
edmundo.gonzalez@promexico.gob.mx
Asia
Shanghai Regional Director
juan.cante@promexico.gob.mx
Offices: Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai,
Seoul, Tokyo
Beijing
ari.saks@promexico.gob.mx
Hong Kong
horacio.reyes@promexico.gob.mx
Shanghai
luis.vieyra@promexico.gob.mx
Seoul
jose.peral@promexico.gob.mx
Tokyo
esau.garza@promexico.gob.mx
Singapore Regional Director
salomon.sacal@promexico.gob.mx
Offices: Mumbai, Singapore,
Sydney, Taipei
Mumbai
aldo.ruiz@promexico.gob.mx
Singapore
francisco.bautista@promexico.gob.mx
Sydney
milko.rivera@promexico.gob.mx
Taipei
enrique.rosell@promexico.gob.mx
Europe
London Regional Director
antonio.prida@promexico.gob.mx
Offices: Brussels, London, Madrid,
Milan, Paris
Brussels
alejandro.saldivar @promexico.gob.mx
London
alexandra.haas@promexico.gob.mx
Madrid
luis.ampudia@promexico.gob.mx
Milan
claudia.esteves@promexico.gob.mx
Paris
dolores.beistegui@promexico.gob.mx
Frankfurt Regional Director
francisco.gonzalez@promexico.gob.mx
Offices: Dubai, Frankfurt, Moscow,
Stockholm, Switzerland
Dubai
jose.neif@promexico.gob.mx
Frankfurt
cesar.fragozo@promexico.gob.mx
Moscow
leonor.pintado@promexico.gob.mx
Stockholm
nicole.felix@promexico.gob.mx
Switzerland
patricia.moreno@promexico.gob.mx
8 Negocios illustration oldemar

Logistics,
a Matter of Business
Just a few decades ago, if asked about logistics, people in the
transportation industry probably weren’t able to tell what it was
exactly. But times have changed and now the word –which refers to the
planning, management and organization of activities related to goods
and services– seems to be one of the most commonly used in business.

Over the last few years, Mexico has become
fertile ground for logistics businesses. Both
Mexican and transnational companies offer-
ing logistics solutions are profiting from this
blossoming market, while many of the big
companies exporting from Mexico have opted
to outsource supply and distribution services.
International companies such as Kingsley
Group, A.T. Kearney, Penske Logistics and
Redwood Systems, among others, are al-
ready working in the country, providing their
services to companies demanding custom-fit
supply and distribution solutions.
Outsourcing enterprises differ in size
and in the variety of services they offer,
which may range from “flow-through”
planning of parts for assembly, all the way
to hands-on distribution of goods. What
they have in common is a wide range of
business opportunities in Mexico.
The needs of logistical services in Mex-
ico are steadily growing as the country
increases its participation in international
trade and remains the destination of choice
for transnational companies seeking to re-
inforce their presence in the Americas.
These needs will increase even more
as the Mexican government has launched
an unparalleled infrastructure investment
program aimed at improving and extend-
ing roadways, railroads, seaports, airports
and dry ports all around the country. Lo-
gistical services and transportation capa-
bilities go hand-in-hand. Therefore, private
and public investment in this infrastruc-
ture over the next few years will result in
better business opportunities for the sup-
ply chain of logistics solutions.
Quality transportation, timely delivery
to final destination markets and develop-
International companies
such as Kingsley Group,
A.T. Kearney, Penske
Logistics and Redwood
Systems, among
others, are already
working in the country,
providing their services
to companies demanding
custom-fit supply and
distribution solutions.
ment of warehouse locations are key things
needed to maintain the nation’s competi-
tiveness. Getting into Mexico’s logistics
scene might be a great business decision for
companies providing services in these fields.
Investment in Infrastructure,
Business Opportunity
In July 2007, President Felipe Calderón
announced the National Infrastructure
Program (NIP), a collection of construction
projects that will receive priority during
his presidential term. The plan proposes
investing 6 billion usd to construct five
new ports and new terminals at current
ports and to modernize 22 facilities. It also
includes projects for new cargo facilities
at several airports, the construction and
modernization of 17,000 kilometers of
roadways, 4 billion usd to increase rail
track speeds from 25 to 40 km/hour on
key routes, the implementation of 10 new
multimodal corridors, the construction of
12 new intermodal terminals and the mo-
dernization of existing terminals.
NIP covers 34 key projects in the en-
vironmental, transportation and energy
sectors. These projects have resulted in an
important increase in demand for all types
of equipment and services for intermodal
transportation. They represent outstanding
business opportunities for both national and
international companies in multiple sectors
including energy, environment, transpor-
tation, telecommunications, security and
tourism.
Information to identify market and in-
vestment opportunities related to NIP can
be found in Compranet –the Mexican go-
vernment’s electronic procurement system
at compranet.gob.mx–, which publishes
 business tips

information on the government’s pro-

curement processes.

ABCs of Public Procurement

in Mexico
International companies interested in partic-
ipating in NIP tenders should consider some
basic information about public procurement
in Mexico:

• The public procurement market in

Mexico is divided into federal and sub-
federal levels. The federal level is com-
prised of government agencies and state
companies, such as PEMEX, while the
sub-federal level refers to state and mu-
nicipal governments. NIP projects will
be conducted under federal level rules.
• Article 134 of the Mexican Constitu-
tion establishes the basic principle
for public procurement, asserting that
contracting will take place through
open tendering procedures.

Finding a Supplier
The supply chain in Mexico is wide and di-
verse. The Ministry of Economy has brought
it all together in a useful directory where
companies interested in outsourcing logisti-
cal services can find the best providers in the
country. This directory can be consulted at
www.elogistica.economia.gob.mx. n
 Suscribe to

Expand your possibilities.

The opportunities for your business in Mexico are closer than ever.
We offer you complete access to information on business
opportunities, investment environment and lifestyle in Mexico.

T h e Complete Guide to the Mexican Way of Life.

>> inSide every

edition Expo
ZaragoZa
International
Water Festival
T h e C o m p l et e G u i d e t o t h e M ex i c a n Way of L i fe . p. 58

Interview,

Zélika
García,
Contemporary art & business.

i p. 52

Mexico’s Partner
A conversation with
negocios@promexico.gob.mx
Thierry Blouet p. 62
+52 (55) 5447 7070
photo: luzma gonzalez

Architecture,

UNAM
New buildings & contemporary projects.
Zélika garcía, is the Head of Feria México
p. 44
Arte Contemporáneo.
imports
briefs.
Nearly Half
of Foreign
Beer in the
United States
is Mexican
Nearly half of the beer imported into the
United States comes from Mexico, led by
FEMSA and Grupo Modelo, according to

In 2007, Corona Extra, Heineken

and Modelo Especial were
the import brands preferred
by Americans. They were
followed by Tecate, Guinness
and Corona Light.

consultant Beverage Marketing. Mexico,

Holland and Canada make up nearly 84% of
the imported beer market. In 2007, Corona
Extra, Heineken and Modelo Especial were

Photo courtesy of tecate

the import brands preferred by Americans.
They were followed by Tecate, Guinness and
Corona Light.

www.grupomodelo.com

www.femsa.com

investment Economic impact

Luxury in Cancún Banorte

NH Hotels has chosen Cancún as the site
of its first luxury establishment in Mexico.
The chain has invested 130 million usd in
NH Riviera Cancun as part of its new line of
luxury resorts. The hotel is in front of Puerto
Morelos’ beaches, 36 kilometers north of
Playa del Carmen and 20 kilometers south
of the international airport. In 2009, NH Ho-
tels will also open new accommodations in
Guadalajara, Querétaro and in Terminal 2 at
Mexico City’s International Airport. For the
chain, NH Riviera Maya signifies an impor-
tant opportunity to expand into the luxury
resorts sector.
Exceeds
Credit
Expectations
Banorte will acquire the remaining 30 percent
stake in Texas-based Inter National Bank for 150
million usd. With this investment, INB will be a
100% subsidiary of Banorte Financial Group.
This will allow the Mexican bank’s financial
portfolio to grow up to 12 percent in 2009, above
performance expectations by the market.

www.nh-hotels.com www.banorte.com
12 Negocios Photos courtesy of pemex/nh hotels/camino real/archive

medical tourism

Sound Mind
and Sound
Body
Medicine, hotels and attractive sights on the
same trip are part of the 2009 strategy for
Hospitales Ángeles and Camino Real Hotels.
Angeles Health International is a new agen-
cy that offers health and travel packages. In
2008, Hospitales Ángeles received 1,500 pa-

That saved them

14 billion usd that
they would have spent
attending a hospital
in their country.

tients from the United States and it’s looking

to doble that figure in 2009. It’s estimated
that last year US citizens spent 2.1 billion usd
on medical tourism. That saved them 14 bil-
lion usd that they would have spent for the
same care in their country.

www.hospitalangeleslomas.com

www.caminoreal.com

manufacturing industry

supplies for Canadian firm opens

assembly plants
US company Wisconsin Tool
has begun operating its new me-
tallic parts production plant in
the El Bajio industrial park, lo-
cated in Tecate, Baja California.
With this plant, the company is
looking to consolidate itself as the
supplier of the maquiladora or assembly
plant industry, mainly located on the border
between Mexico and the United States.
plant in Guanajuato
A year after announcing its plant near the inland
port of Silao, Guanajuato, Canadian company
Mailhot Industries has opened the doors to the 10
million usd facility at the Santa Fe Industrial Park.
“Today the most important plant in Latin
America that produces nitrated hydraulic cylin-
der tubes is ready to start its first stage of pro-
duction and employ 150 people from this beau-
tiful region,” said Jesus Nuñez Garibai, Mailhot
Mexico’s president.
Mailhot is one of the world’s best manufac-
turers of nitrated hydraulic and telescopic cylin-
ders which are used by several industries.

www.witool.com www.mailhotindustries.com

employment
From Florida
to Reynosa,
Orthopedics
Manufacturing
This month, the German company BSN
Medical will move a large part of its orthopedics
equipment and products production from
Florida to Reynosa, Tamaulipas. BSN Medical is
the second medical equipment manufacturer
in 2009 to announce it is moving its operations
from the United States to northern Mexico.
www.bsnmedical.com
energy
Emerging
Markets
Focus on
Renewable
Energy
REEM09 (Renewable Energy in the Emerg-
ing Markets of Africa, Latin America and the
Caribbean), was a three-day conference in San
Francisco, California, focused on introducing all
methods of renewable energy technologies to
leaders and political figures in the markets of
these three areas of the world, resulting in an
unparalleled networking opportunity for this
growing sector.
briefs.
financing
In Spanish energy
Hands Injecting
Spanish finance company Caja de Ahorros
Mediterráneo (CAM) has entered into an
Million
agreement with the shareholders of Credito
Inmobiliario to buy 100 percent of the fi-
into Oil
nance company for nearly 180 million usd.
The new owner will allocate 80 million more Exploration
usd to strengthen the company’s capital and
achive its financial independence.
www.cam.es
agrobusiness
From Chiapas,
the Region’s Cream
Nestlé is investing nearly 10 million usd, starting
in October, to transform its factory in Chiapa
de Corzo, Chiapas into a center of production
for coffee cream. The plant will supply Latin
America and the Caribbean and it’s expected
to generate sales of more than 70 million usd.
www.nestle.com
The event was an exclusive opportunity
for attendees to collaborate and form part-
nerships to increase their roles in sustaining
the world’s economies and its environment,
particularly those of the United States and the
emerging markets of Africa, Latin America State-owned Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex)
and the Caribbean.
From April 27 to April 29, the conference
has awarded a 646 million usd contract to
Weatherford International Ltd. for the drilling
featured numerous renewable energy technol-
ogies including: wind, solar, hydro, geothermal,
of 500 wells in Chicontepec, Veracruz, which
will be one of the largest oil field production
biofuels and hydrogen. It also provided policy sites. Pemex will invest 2.3 billion usd in that
makers from these areas of the world the op- geographically difficult basin, where it hopes
portunity to learn from the various market- to produce between 600,000 and 700,00 bar-
enabling policies and incentives that can be rels per day by 2017. Weatherford of Mexico, a
replicated in any country. The conference was subsidiary of Weatherford International Ltd.
sponsored by the Center for International Trade beat out six other firms for the contract. The
Development and coordinated by the Bay Area project will unfold between April 2009 and
Center for International Trade Development. July 2012, according to Pemex.
www.reem09.net www.pemex.com
14 Negocios
Skyworks,
A Source of Competitiveness
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. is an innovator of
high reliability analog and mixed signal semi-
conductors enabling a broad range of end
markets such as automotive, broadband, cel-
lular infrastructure, energy management, in-
dustrial, medical, military and mobile hand-
Skyworks Mexicali Highlights
Produces approximately 4 million
units of finished goods daily
Delivers assembly and test yields
of over 98%
Operates with world class cycle times
Ships directly to a worldwide
customer base
Photo courtesy of mecano america
set applications, to name just a few. Head-
quartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, in the
United States, Skyworks operates worldwide
with engineering, manufacturing, sales and
service facilities throughout Asia, Europe and
North America. Skyworks’ Mexicali facility is
part of this success story.
Skyworks Mexicali, located in Baja Califor-
nia, Mexico, has been manufacturing integrated
circuits since 1969. Over the years, Skyworks
has made significant investments in technology,
facilities, and state-of-the-art equipment, yield-
ing a world-class operation based on advanced
processes and a highly-trained work force –
with over 1,600 employees.
Today, Skyworks Mexicali continues to play
an integral role in the production and delivery
of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors,
providing assembly, test and finishing services
for over 600 different products serving cus-
tomers worldwide. n Above the skyworks lab center.

Investment in
the Country
With the NIP 2007-2012,
the Mexican government aims
to position the country as one
of the main logistics platforms
in the Americas and
the world.
By Karla Juárez
report national infrastructure program
Investing in infrastructure equals investing
in the country’s future. It is one of Mexico’s
priorities, according to President Felipe
Calderón and it is synonymous with eco-
nomic, human and social development.
This program establishes strategies, goals,
objectives and actions to increase the quality,
competitiveness and coverage of infrastructure
in Mexico. It also positions the country as one of
the main logistics platforms in the world.
Mexico’s geographic location and network
of trade agreements with other countries –
which guarantee preferred access to more
than 1 billion consumers around the globe–
are other factors that favor investment.
The investment proposed in the NIP is
looking to strengthen the competitive and
comparative advantages the country offers
to productive investment. Among the actions
this program anticipates are: constructing
and modernizing more than 17,000 kilome-
ters of highways and rural roads, including
more than 1,400 kilometers of railways and
developing systems I, II and III of the Subur-
ban Railroad of the Valle de México metro-
politan zone; constructing various airports
including Ensenada and Mar de Cortés as
well as expanding those in Cancún and Tolu-
ca; developing 10 new multimodal concours-
es; extending capacity of ports; and increas-
ing water and sewage services throughout
the country.
The goal by 2030 is for Mexico to be
among the 20% of countries rated the best
by the World Economic Forum’s infrastruc-
ture competitiveness index. n
16 Negocios photos courtesy of swift iamsa

An Oasis of
Competitiveness
An industrial park is a place
where a company can establish
itself with the security that it
won’t have problems at its
facilities with infrastructure,
communication and security.
In Mexico, there are more and
more spaces of this type.

By René Valencia

According to Mexican legislation, an indus-

trial park is a geographical area defined,
planned and designed especially for the in-
stallation of industrial plants that bring to-
gether the best conditions for location, infra-
structure and equipment.
The sector’s most important organization,
which serves as its spokesman to governments
and investors, is the Mexican Association of
Private Industrial Parks (AMPIP). It represents
54 corporate members that together adminis-
ter 186 parks with more than 1,775 established
companies. According to figures from AMPIP,
its member real estate assets are valued near
20 billion usd. The organization, led by Alberto
Chretien, director of Verde Corporate Realty
Services, is also in charge of promotion to at-
tract new investments to these spaces.

Communication and Security

Industrial parks in Mexico are located close
to population centers and they have access
to highways, railways, airports and seaports.
These allow the companies to receive raw ma-
terials and transfer their products.
One of the most important characteristics of
an industrial park is that it gives a company the
certainty that it is established in a zone without
any land ownership problems; where there are
basic infrastructure services like water, electric-
ity, paved streets, lighting and treatment plants;
and that have maintenance and security services.
“The large global companies and their
respective suppliers along the production
report industrial parks
18 Negocios photos courtesy of oradel

chain require being settled in locations

where they are guaranteed adequate infra-
structure, in addition to industrial buildings
with sophisticated specifications,” said Clau-
dia Ávila, director of AMPIP.
Due to the competition generated by parks in
their efforts to attract investors, land is no longer
the only thing they offer. They also include in-
dustrial buildings constructed according to the
needs of investors, genera-ting the phrases “built-
to-suit,” “lease-back” and “buildings in inventory.”

According to the Client

The Urban Land Institute in Washington,
D.C. has established six categories under the
concept of “business parks:” industrial parks,
distribution parks, logistics parks, scientific
parks, technology parks and corporate parks.
In general, these parks grant common ser-
vices to all their clients, like the ability to op-
erate almost immediately, maintenance and
security, among other things. However, what
differentiates them is the type of tenant that
occupies each space.
“For example, a manufacturing company
will require a major volume of water and elec-
tricity in a spacious building. A distribution
company will require a building more than 8
meters high and loading platforms and large pa-
tio areas to facilitate the loading and unloading
of merchandise. A research and development
company will mainly ask for offices in smart
buildings with high tech telecommunication
services,” said Claudia Ávila.

Connected to the Outside

In Mexico, industrial parks have been con-
nected from the beginning to the external sec-
tor, mainly to the maquiladora industry, which
rose in the middle 1960s.
The first industrial park was established in
Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua in 1965. But it was

“Industrial parks will continue

being a necessary component
in a competitive environment
now that you can combine in one place
not only such variables as location but
also integration of production,
logistics and distribution
chains to determine the success
of whatever investment
project,” said Ávila.

in the mid 1980s, during the country’s com-
mercial opening and its contact with globaliza-
tion, that the sector began to take off and for-
eign investors started arriving. Working with
national companies, these investors developed
this type of infrastructure to receive compa-
nies that were arriving to the country.
“This new phase of industrial parks was
characterized by the consolidation of portfo-
lios made up industrial buildings being leased
through long term contracts in dollars, by the
reduction of profit margins and by more aggres-
sive competition due to the arrival of new play-
ers in the market,” said AMPIP’s director.
This tendency obligated Mexican developers
to attain standards that were as high as those of
industrial parks in the United States and Canada.
Currently in Mexico, the importance of
logistics is growing ahead of traditional manu-
facturing schemes.
The costs of transportation and distribu-
tion are important factors that determine the
cost of a product and this is where Mexico has
advantages over its competitors. The clearest
one is its proximity to one of the world’s big-
gest markets: North America.
It’s because of this that many of the country’s
industrial parks have promoted construction of
large distribution centers, with modern loading
systems to optimize costs.
Confronting the Crisis
The international financial crisis has affec-
ted without a doubt the industrial real estate
sector in the areas of financing and the oc-
cupation of buildings. “Because of this, many
developers are establishing new business
strategies, mainly in customer service. It is a
way to retain the largest number of current
tenants and attract new ones who are look-
ing for services that go beyond the renting of
a building,” said Claudia Ávila.
AMPIP trusts that Mexico will in the short
and medium terms continue being an impor-
tant place to attract new investments to the
sector due to its proximity to the United States
and the changes in focus its union works are
making. International companies are looking
to knock down costs as a survival strategy and
thus they require installations that can com-
report industrial parks
pete in terms of cost and logistics.
“Industrial parks will continue being a
necessary component in a competitive envi-
ronment now that you can combine in one
place not only such variables as location but
also integration of production, logistics and
distribution chains to determine the success
of whatever investment project,” said Ávila. n
Origin
Companies located at industrial
parks affiliated with AMPIP,
by country of origin
Companies of national origin - 52% -
Foreign companies - 48% -
Foreign companies originating
from the United States - 63% -
Foreign companies originating
from other countries - 37% -
Source: AMPIP
20 Negocios infographic oldemar

To Become an Industrial Park

REQUIREMENTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND URBANIZATION

Sufficient and efficient

lighting on roads, Concrete
sidewalk with an harnesses
average of 8 lights
per km

Networks of Street
Acceleration and
electrical energy nomenclature
deceleration lanes or an
and lot numbers
access road to the park

Paved roads of concrete asphalt

and hydraulic concrete

Horizontal and vertical

signage (informative,
restrictive and preventative)
Green areas
5% of the park’s
total area
Construction density
70%
Maximum
uprooting
Drainage with any one of the following solutions: of the area 30%
Open
spaces

Disposing of residual Releases to the open sky, prior to treatment,

Reuse prior
waters to the complying with valid regulations and with
to treatment
municipal network the permission of the CNA

Basic services in the park’s area: Minimum service recommended

Drinkable water Electricity Telephones Unloading Water drainage hourly precipitation

and/or of industrial use (medium tension) 10 lines/ha- of leftover in line with local from the
0,5 l/s/ha 1,0 l/s/ha 150 kVA/ha-250 kVA/ha 20 lines/ha water rainfall levels geographic area

SOURCE: MEXICAN LEGISLATION FOR INDUSTRIAL PARKS, NMX-R-046-SCFI-2005.

 report highway and railroad infrastructure

A Vital
Circulatory
System
Every year in Mexico,
574 million tons of merchandise
are moved through a 360,000
kilometer road network.

By René Valencia

If the highway and railroad infrastructure is like

a country’s circulatory system, which takes vital
raw materials to each part of its geography, then
Mexico’s main arteries are its freeways and its
veins are its railroads.
According to figures from the Ministry of
Communications and Transportation, in 2007
Mexican freeways transported 474 million tons
of products while railroads shipped 100 million
tons. The highway network transported nearly
83% of merchandise that circulated through the
country, while 17% was sent by rail.
The constant modernization of these routes,
thanks to the public and private sectors, has
helped make Mexico highly competitive in
establishing companies that have the United
States as a market.
According to a study by the Mexican Insti-
tute for Competitiveness (IMCO), transport-
ing a 40 foot container with an average value
of 100,000 usd will take four days from the
time it leaves a factory in Mexico City until
it arrives at its destination port in the United
States and will cost 2,789 usd.
In comparison, the same container origi-
nating from Paris, France, will take 18 more
days to arrive at its US destination and will
cost 3,503 usd, 26% more. From Sao Paulo,
Brazil, the cost is 5,021 usd, an 80% increase,
and from Beijing, China, the cost rises to 6,259
usd, a 124% increase.
22 Negocios
Asphalt Network
The Mexican road system measures 360,075
kilometers, of which more than 11 thousand
corresponds to highways of four lanes or more.
The highway construction boom began in
the 1970s with a federal program called “Mano
de Obra” (Work Force), which focused mainly
on the creation of roads. As a result, the road
network grew from 71,000 kilometers in 1970
to 200,000 kilometers by 1980.
A new road construction effort began
in 1990 and it has continued to this day. In
1980, the country had 1,000 kilometers of
highways. A decade later, this number had
grown to 5,500 kilometers and by 2000, it
had reached 10,000 kilometers.
Currently, the highway network by which
most merchandise is transported in Mexico is
administered by the Federal Roads and Bridges
Commission (Capufe), an organization decen-
tralized from the federal government more
than 50 years ago.
In 2009, the Mexican government plans to
spend 150 million usd to improve and expand
the highway network, part of an important
investment program to better the nation’s
transportation system.
The Iron Horse
Mexico’s railroad system, which began operating
in 1850 on a 13 kilometer stretch in the state of Ve-
racruz, had its biggest expansion during the era
of President Porfirio Díaz, who led the country
for most of the period from 1877 to 1911. By the
end of this time, the railroad system had grown to
26,677 kilometers, 90 percent of which had been
done during Díaz’s era.
In 1938, President Lázaro Cardenas na-
tionalized the country’s railroad system, cre-
ating the state owned company the National
Railroad of Mexico.
Nearly 60 years later, in 1996, President
Ernesto Zedillo decided to decentralize the
company and turn over a majority of the rail-
road network to private interests. Since that
time, the amount of merchandise carried by
this mode of transportation made an impor-
tant jump, going from 50 million tons in 1995
to nearly 100 million tons by 2007.
Currently, the majority of the railroad net-
Photos courtesy of sct
work is managed by two companies. The lar-
gest is Ferromex, part of the mining consortium
Grupo Mexico. It controls more than 8,500
kilometers of railroads which link five of the
country’s most important cities, five cities along
the US-Mexico border and four ports along the
Pacific Ocean and one on the Gulf of Mexico.
The other company is Kansas City Southern of
Mexico (KCSM), which administers the railroad
network that connects the Lázaro Cárdenas Port
in Michoacán to the United States.
Ferromex also owns part of Ferrovalle, a
company that operates railroads and terminals
in the Mexico City area.
While the highway network continues to
be the country’s main method of transporting
merchandise, the railroad system is growing in
importance due to the investment companies in
that sector are making to improve the network
and its service.
From Mexico to the United States
Kansas City Southern of Mexico (KCSM) cur-
rently manages 4,251 kilometers of railroads
that cross 15 states in the industrial heart of

Mexico: Michoacán, Estado de México, Dis-
trito Federal, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Vera-
cruz, Querétaro, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí,
Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, Coahuila, Nuevo
León and Tamaulipas.
The company has shaped the International
Railroad Corridor, which begins in Lázaro
Cárdenas Port in the southern state of Micho-
acán and runs to Kansas City, Missouri in the
Central United States.
“Our network makes up 20% of the coun-
try’s railroads; without a doubt, nearly 40%
of railroad cargo is carried on our lines,”
said David Eaton, director of institutional
relations at KCSM, a division of Kansas City
Southern (KCS).
In 2008, KCS reported sales of 1.8 billion usd,
including operations in Mexico and the United
States. This was a 6.3% increase over sales from
the previous year. The biggest increase in cargo
was in the agricultural and minerals sector,
which had a 12.7% jump.
Since 1997, the year KCSM received its part of
the country’s railroad network to run, the com-
pany has invested more than 700 million usd,
report highway and railroad infrastructure
more than 200 million usd just in 2008 alone.
Most of this investment is going into the Private Railroad
International Railroad Corridor, now that Companies in Mexico
70% of the cargo that arrives at Lázaro
Cardenas Port is distributed by railroad to - Ferrocarril Mexicano
the industrial centers in Mexico and the (Ferromex) -
United States. This corridor offers an alter-
native to the highly congested US ports in - Kansas City Southern
Los Angeles and Long Beach. de México (KCSM) -
Because of this, KCSM is projecting it will
invest 80 million usd for the construction of - Ferrocarril Coahuila
an Intermodal Railroad Terminal on the Is- Durango -
land of the Palm Trees in this port in Micho-
acán and more than 200 million usd on the - Ferrocarril del Istmo
construction of an intermodal terminal in a de Tehuantepec -
central Mexican state. In addition, the com-
pany has considered constructing a new rail- - Ferrocarril del Sureste
road bridge in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, lo- (Ferrosur) -
cated in the northeastern part of the country
along the US-Mexico border. - Ferrocarriles
Currently, the company has 3,500 workers Chiapas Mayab -
in Mexico. “In spite of the difficult conditions
due to the national and international economic - Ferrocarriles del Valle
crisis, we have made a strong effort to keep our de México (Ferrovalle) -
labor force intact,” Eaton said. n
24 Negocios infographic oldemar

Infrastructure in 2012
D RY P O RTS AND MULTIMODA L T E R M I N A L S

Mexicali
Tijuana

Ciudad Juárez

Nogales
Ensenada

Punta Colonet
Hermosillo

Chihuahua

Guaymas

Topolobampo Torreón

Gómez Palac
Durango
Culiacán

Mazatlán
Aguascalientes
Tepic
x2 x2

Guadalajara

x3 Colima

Manzanillo

Lázaro
 maps infrastructure

Symbolism

Loading
docks

Port terminals

Private automotive
terminals

New legs/
Nuevo Laredo Reconstructions

Rural roads

New multimodal
corridors
Work on progress
at terminals

Matamoros
x4

Monterrey

Saltillo
cio
Ciudad Victoria
Puerto Progreso
x4 Altamira x3

Tampico
Mérida
San Luis Potosí

Guanajuato
x3
Jalapa
Irapuato Querétaro Coatzacoalcos
Veracruz
Pachuca Córdoba

TolucaDF
Villahermosa
Puebla Orizaba

Oaxaca

o Cardenás
Confinement of the corridor Salina Cruz
Orizaba-Río Blanco-Cd. Mendoza Tapachula
Ciudad Hidalgo
26 Negocios infographic oldemar

Infrastructure in 2012
MAIN AXE S A N D ROA DS
Symbolism

Altiplano
San Diego

Mexicali
Tijuana Mexico - Tuxpan
San Luis Río Colorado
United States Manzanillo-Tampico
branched to L. Cárdenas
Ensenada
of America
Transpeninsular of BC

Acapulco-Veracruz
Sonora Tucson
Puerto Transithmus Circuit
Peñasco
Caborca Other highways from
Nogales
the network
El Paso
Santa Ana
Bahía de
los Ángeles Ciudad Juárez Dallas
Guerrero

branched to Piedras Negras

Negro Hermosillo
El Porvenir

Mexico-Nuevo Laredo
Guaymas
Chihuahua
Cd. Obregón
branched to Tijuana

Houston
México-Nogales

Querétaro-Ciudad Juárez

Loreto

Acuña San Antonio

Los Mochis
Piedras Negras

La Paz
Culiacán
Monterrey

Nuevo Laredo
Saltillo

sa
San José del Cabo
Cabo San Lucas

no
Mazatlán-Matamoros y
Re

Mazatlán
ón
go
an

re
r

Río Grande
ur

To

Matamoros
D

Linares

Tepic Zacatecas Ciudad Victoria

Matehuala
Aguascalientes
San Luis Potosí Altamira

Guadalajara
Guanajuato Tampico
Manzanillo
Querétaro
Colima

Tuxpan
Puerto Progreso

Morelia DF
Pachuca Veracruz-Monterrey
Lázaro Cárdenas branched to Matamoros
Tlaxcala
Cancún

Puebla

Veracruz Mérida
Chilpancingo
México-Puebla Campeche
Acapulco
Oaxaca -Progreso
Coatzacoalcos Champotón

Villahermosa

Huatulco Tuxtla
Yucatán Peninsula Chetumal
San Cristobal de las Casas
Arriaga

Salina Cruz

Puebla-Oaxaca-Cd. Hidalgo Tapachula

Ciudad Hidalgo
Only Federal Government developments are considered
 maps infrastructure

National railroad systems

AND THE CONNECTIONS TO THE US
Symbolism

BNSF
TPM
Ferromex
Ferrosur
go

United States
ie
D

Shortlines
n

of America
Sa

SDIV
Tijuana

Tecate

Phoneix
International
Calexico Albuquerque conections

Nogales

is
ph
em
El Paso

Alrmingham
Cd. Juárez Dallas

Waxachachie
a
hu

io

Hermosillo
s
ua

id

s
Pa
es
ih

Pr
Ch

e
gl
Ea
as
ym

Galveston
ua

do

Piedras Negras Iowa Mobile

G

re

Pensacola
La

Nuevo Laredo Corpus Christi

po

New Orleans
ma

ón
ob

re
p ol

r
To
To

go
an
ur
D

ey

Matamoros
Zacatecas
rr
te
on
n

M
lá
at
az
M

Aguascalientes San Luis Potosí

Altamira

Querétaro
ra
ja
la
da
ua

Pachuca
G
llo

DF
ni
za

a
as

id
an

Puebla
uz
en

ér
M

r
rd

M
ac
Cá

r
Ve
ro
za

Campeche
Lá

a
ac
ax
O

uz
Cr
a
lin
Sa
 28 Negocios infographic oldemar

Simbology
AMPIP
INDUSTRIA L PA R KS
Primary road

Railroad

Logistics main corridors

Main maritime ports

1, 10, 17, 19, 25, 26, 47 y 55

Main cargo airports

San Diego

Industrial Developers of Mexico

United States 1 AMB Property México
Calexico of America 2 American Industries
Mexicali Phoenix 3 Amistad Industrial Developers
7, 35, 37,
4 API Altamira
Ti

38 y 54
ju
an

5
Nogales

Bermudez International
En

a
se

Dallas 6 Brasa Desarrollos

na

Agua Prieta
da

7 CP Americas
8 COFOIN Hidalgo
9 Davisa Desarrollos Inmobiliarios
Ciudad Juárez 10 El Florido Parque Industrial
2, 5, 6, 36, 28, 33 y 46 11 FIDECIX Tlaxcala
12 Fideicomiso Zacatecas
Hermosillo 6, 26, 52 y 53 13 FIDEPAR Estado de México
14 FIPAIM Michoacán
15 Gicsa
49 Presidio 16 Grupo Alas
Guaymas
Piedras 17 Grupo Frisa
Loreto 2 y 46 Negras Nuevo
Chihuahua Laredo
18 Grupo Garza Ponce
Cd. Acuña 3 3
26 y 32 19 Grupo La Mesa
26 Los Mochis 20 Grupo O’Donnell
Houston
Ramos
Arizpe
21 Grupo Property Plus
15, 20, 22,
La Paz 3y9 30 y 47 22 Grupo Río San Juan
Torreón Reynosa
Culiacán 3 y 27 1, 2, 7, 23 Guanajuato Puerto Interior
27 18, 26,
24 Hines
llo

Gómez Palacio 26 47
lti
Sa

26 Matamoros 25 IAMSA
San Lucas
26 Intramérica
ey
rr

Mazatlán
te

27 Las Américas de Torreón

on
M

28 LaSalle Invesment Management

Zacatecas 4 29 Logistik FTZ
12 Altamira
30 Marhnos
Tampico 31 Millenium Industrial Park
1, 7, 24,
Guanajuato San Luis Potosí 32 Oradel Industrial Center
29, 31
40 y 47 1 y 23 y 45 33 Parque Ind. Antonio J. Bermúdez
Guadalajara
34 Parque Industrial Atitalaquia
Puerto Progreso

14 35 Parque Industrial Calafia

Manzanillo Pachuca 36
ia

Parque Industrial Los Fuentes

el

8 y 32
or

37 Parque Industrial Maran

M

DF
Cancún

38 Parque Industrial Mexicali

r uz
ac

39 Parque Industrial Querétaro

co
r

Lázaro Cárdenas
Ve

al

41 y 51 Mérida
o

40 Parque Industrial San Jorge

ac

43
z
at

41 Parque Industrial Santa Fe

Co

Villahermosa
44 y 50
42 Parque Industrial Valle de Tehuacán
o
lc

Chetumal

43 Parque Industrial Yucatán

pu
ca

Querétaro
A

44 Parque Logístico Industrial Tabasco

a

20, 26, 28 y 39
ac

Campeche
ax

45 Parque Logístico SLP

O

46 Parques industriales Intermex

e z
rr

47 ProLogis
ié
ut
uz

Belize
G

48 Prudential Real Estate Investors

la
Cr

Estado
xt

8 y 34
a

Tu

49 SEDECO Puebla
lin

de México Pachuca
Sa

1, 13, 15, 20 y 47 50 SEDECO Tabasco

Guatemala
DF 26 y 48
51 SEDECOP Veracruz
Tlaxcala 11
52 The Offshore Group
53 Trento Industrial Park de Sonora
Puebla
42, 21, 16 y 49 54 Verde Corporate Realty Services
55 Vesta

Sustainable
logistics,
successful
businesses
Expologística, the most important
logistics fair in Latin America, takes
place every summer in Mexico City.
It offers businesses of all sizes
solutions with a sustainable vision
to improve processes and make
them more efficient.
“Logistics” is a key term in the business world. To
complete a company’s commercial and business
objectives, all resources have to be ready and
willing to function together
Logistics is a serious matter. Throughout the
world, there are specialized companies that by
offering consulting and strategic services make
processes more efficient and help reach business
goals. Expologística is recognized by the business
sector as the most important Latin American
gathering event for such companies.
Centro de Exposiciones Banamex in Mexico
City, is the venue where companies of all sizes
convene for anupdate on themes related to plan-
ning, supervision, efficiency, the optimization of
processes and products delivery.
In the 2009 edition, 300 Mexican and multi-
national companies participate as exhibitors. The
main themes include: the viability of efficiency
and the protection of the environment. The oc-
casion’s special feature is having a common goal
an ecological commitment and a responsibility
to the environment while improving processes,
adding value and other services.
Logistics specialists also participate in all
the fair’s branches and sectors. There are five
specialized pavilions organized according to
solutions for specific themes. These are: fleets
and light vehicles for distribution; real estate
report expologística
logistics; logistics operators and cargo agents; lo-
gistics suppliers for small and medium compa-
Down the crowd at Expologística,
where the entrepeneur can find almost
nies; and multimodal transportation. All of this
is focused on the idea that logistics can also be
every option of logistics for his business.
“green” and can collaborate in the fight against
globe pollution.
More than 10,000 executives with decision
making power attend the fair every year. They
go through the venue guided by experts who
participate in two of the event’s biggest areas.
One is the “ADN logistics expo,” which is held
in a 900 square foot space and represents the
creation of a value chain from the moment a
finished product leaves the production line until
it finally reaches the consumer. The other is the
“RFID Knowledge Center,” which gathers high
tech companies that demonstrate the latest
radio frequency identification tools (RFID for
its initials) and show how they become part of
process optimization, revolutionize productivity
and efficiency schemes.
Three forums are also held: Ciencia Logis-
tica (Logistics Science), the Autotransport Salon
and the Logistics Education Salon for Foreign
Trade, which allows visitors to update their
knowledge on the subject and increase their
companies’ productivity.
The best logistics experts with a sustainable
vision gather in Mexico at Expologistica 2009 for
the whole world to reach. n
Expologistica by
Photos courtesy of distrito capital by adrien dirand
the Numbers
Month - July 1-3 -
Exhibition Area - 13,000 Sq. Meters -
Exhibitors - 300 -
Visitors - 10,000 -
Specialized Pavilions - 5 -
Lectures - 25 Sessions -
30 Negocios photo archive

Electrical
Infrastructure,
Development
and Progress
Mexico’s electrical
infrastructure has been
one of the biggest leaders
of the country’s development
and represents a key factor
in its future. An enormous
investment has turned the
service and the quality of the
Mexican network into one
of the best in Latin America
and the rest of the world.

A country’s electrical capacity is fundamen-

tal to its development. It not only benefits its
industry and cities but also has a decisive im-
pact on the lives of each of its citizens.
A quality electrical infrastructure, which
provides service to a country’s entire terri-
tory, is synonymous with progress and mo-
dernity. In addition, electrical energy ser-
vice of quality and sufficient coverage are
fundamental aspects of decisions on where
to invest, as a large electrical capacity gua-
rantees any productive activity will be done
successfully.
Mexico can boast of a quality electrical
infrastructure that provides sufficient co-
verage and, above all, service at competitive
costs. As a large country with innumerable
natural resources, Mexico’s electrical energy
production can be done within its own ter-
ritory. This considerably reduces costs for
supplying energy to productive activities.
Mexico’s actual electrical capacity is 37
percent greater than in 2000. The country
has also successfully begun putting in place
33 electrical energy-generating plants and 37
new main stations. This expansion required
an investment –both public and private– of
more than 8 billion usd. Between 2000 and
special report Electrical infrastructure
32 Negocios
2006, more than 6.7 billion usd was invested
to build 28 new main electrical stations.
Mexico has decided to boost its genera-
tion of renewable energy. In the last year,
more than 800 million usd has been invested
in wind energy infrastructure. The Energy
Regulatory Commission (CRE) has awarded
close to 1,600 MW permits for wind energy
developments.
In addition, to boost the growth of wind en-
ergy projects, the federal government created
the so-called “Open Season,” an agreement be-
tween the CFE and various private companies,
which have committed to financing the con-
struction of a new 145 kilometer long transmis-
sion line that will run from La Ventosa (an elec-
trical station in the state of Oaxaca) to the Juile
substation in the state of Veracruz. Another
agreement, “Mini Open Season,” will construct
a second circuit 154 kilometers long that will
reinforce the line from the Juile substation to
Cerro de Oro, also in Oaxaca. These are two
good examples of how renewable energies are
being used to supply electricity to large zones
in the country.
Thus, to invest in Mexico, the variable of
Through an important
revision of the national electrical
network, done by CFE between
2004 and 2006, more than 54
work projects enable12 transmission
lines, which increased the electrical
network by 158 circuit kilometers
and 42 substations.
photo courtesy of cfe la venta/iberdrola renovables
security of service should not be the only
thing considered. Respect for the environ-
ment is another factor to take into account.
The total investment cost for the infrastruc-
ture to transmit and interconnect the new
wind energy projects with the national elec-
tri-city network was set at 240 million usd.
The firms Eurus and Parques Ecológicos de
México will be in charge of completing them,
committing themselves to reinforcing CFE’s
actual transmission capacity to 250 MW and
80 MW, respectively.
In addition, four companies in 2009 have
obtained the pertinent permits to utilize
CFE’s infrastructure and offer their wind
energy services. The firms are: Eléctrica
del Valle de Mexico, which is about to start
working; Fuerza Eólica, which will begin
working in the second half of 2009; Eoliatec,
expected to begin working this year; and Bii
Nee Stipa Energía Eólica. These companies
will only be able to jointly generate 163 MW
in the first stage, adjusting to CFE’s actual
transmission capacity.
When the infrastructure for “Open Sea-
son” is finished, before 2013, seven compa-
nies besides CFE will begin wind energy
projects in the country. These companies
are: Desarrollos Eólicos Mexicanos, Eoliatec
del Pacífico, Eoliatec del Istmo, Gamesa En-
ergía, Preneal de México, Unión Fenosa Gen-
eración México and Fuerza Eólica del Istmo.
Wind energy is now part of the electrical in-
frastructure used by Mexico to supply power
to households, factories, businesses, airports
and ports.
Through an important revision of the nation-
al electrical network, done by CFE between
2004 and 2006, more than 54 work projects en-
able 12 transmission lines, which increased the
electrical network by 158 circuit kilometers and
42 substations. All these actions have assured
energy supplies for the entire country until 2010.
This is due also to the operations of the Chicoa-
sen Central Hydroelectric facility, the fourth most
productive hydroelectric energy plant in the
world is located in the state of Chiapas. There is
also the hydroelectric terminal called “El Cajón”
(The Drawer), located in the state of Nayarit and
which cost 900 million usd.
El Cajón is a major project that Mexican en-
gineering is very proud of. The dam’s curtain,
186 meters high, is nearly as tall as the Torre
Latinoamericana (a 204 meter skyscraper
located in downtown Mexico City). On its con-
crete face, there is room for up to 12 soccer
fields. These characteristics make it the second
such structure of its kind, right after Agua-
milpa, also located in Nayarit. This facility has
the capacity to generate up to 8 percent of the
country’s total hydroelectric energy. The plant
alone could supply the energy needs of a city
like Guadalajara, Mexico’s second biggest with
more than 4 million people. Two other hydro-
electric central stations are part of this consid-
erable development: La Yesca, also in Nayarit,
and La Parota, in the state of Guerrero.
Thanks to its electrical infrastructure,
Mexico is a profitable territory for industry,
commerce, tourism, and of course, for the
conveniences of modern life. n


sources:
federal commission of electricity
special report Electrical infrastructure
34 Negocios photo courtesy of juan carlos noriega/punta colonet
 cover feature ports

Mexico Grows
Towards the
Oceans
Mexico is set to invest billion
of dollars in its various port
facilities as a way to increase
its economic importance
in the world.

By vanesa robles

It’s impossible to imagine Europe without

potatoes, Asia without rice, the Americas
without livestock and the world without
ports. Ports occupy a fundamental place in
the world’s consciousness, in the origins of
the most powerful countries and in trade be-
tween regions. Mexico knows this.
What has changed through history is
the infrastructure of these port installa-
tions, which, paradoxically, have become
more efficient thanks to the marketing of in-
novations that occur at these maritime, air,
interior or dry land facilities. It is an area
in which Mexico has an endless number of
opportunities, due to its geographic position
and its privileged location: more than 11,000
kilometers of coast, most of it along the Pa-
cific Ocean (7,828 kilometers) but also along
the Atlantic (3,292 kilometers).
In 2007, just through its maritime ports,
Mexico received and sent to the rest of the
globe 202.4 million tons of merchandise,
equivalent to 12% of the world’s grain pro-
duction, according to the World Trade Orga-
nization.
Imports, through more than 26 daily ar-
rivals of large commercial ships at ports, to-
taled 67.9 million tons. The majority of them
were bulk minerals (17.4 million tons) and
petroleum by-products (16.6 million tons),
currently indispensable supplies for the
world. They are the raw materials needed
for industrial processes and the develop-
ment of things used in everyday life by thou-
sands of people not only in this country but
also in other nations in Latin America and
the United States, which receives a portion
of them by highway and railway.
36 Negocios
In 2007, 134.4 million tons were exported
from Mexican maritime ports. The majority
of them were petroleum and hydrocarbon by-
products (97.4 million tons) and bulk minerals
(20.5 million tons).
In contrast to older ports, the majority of pre-
sent day ones specialize in receiving and shipping
particular products and setting aside extensive
areas for industrial and warehouse spaces, crea-
ting unending sources of employment.
In Mexico, the intensity of commercial
maritime activity is not chance ocurrence.
The World Economic Forum asserts that the
nation’s maritime ports infrastructure qual-
ity ranks No. 8 in the world.
The advantage many of these ports have
is great potential for development and land
reserves for their commercial and industrial
photo courtesy of antonio ruelas/puerto de altamira
expansion.
The National Infrastructure Program has
put forth an investment goal of 5.1 billion usd
from the government and the private sector
by 2012. It will be used for the development
of 12 ports: Punta Colonet, in Baja California;
Cabo San Lucas, Loreto, Cortés and Pichil-
inche, in Baja California Sur; Manzanillo II,
in Colima; Lázaro Cárdenas, in Michoacán;
Guaymas, in Sonora; Topolobambo and
Mazatlán, in Sinaloa; Puerto Vallarta, in
Jalisco, and Zihuatanejo, in Guerrero.
In 2009 alone, the government will invest
703 million usd in ports, 4.5% more than it
did in 2008, according to the General Coor-
dination of Ports and the Merchant Navy of
the Ministry of Communications and Trans-
portation.
The investment for 2012 proposes the
expansion and construction of new naviga-
tion canals and the construction of marine
platforms and industrial complexes. It also
includes the creation of multiple use termi-
nals for such things as tourism. Each year,
3,171 cruise ships with 6.4 million passengers
arrive at Mexican ports.
In addition to maritime ports, investment is
also being proposed for dry ports: large ware-
houses at strategic points in the interior of the
country responsible for operations and distri-
bution of products through different routes.
The Mexican government’s national deve-
lopment plan envisions 10 dry ports operating
before 2012. These include one already work-
ing in San Luis Potosí in the northwestern
area of the country; the Guanajuato Interior
 cover feature ports

Port in western Mexico; and the multimodal Throughout centuries, ports have still re- 01 corn loading into a ship at Topolobampo port.
platform in Querétaro in the central region. mained focal points of the world’s develop- 02 aerial view from a part of Progreso port.
The government in Puebla, a state also in the ment. n
central zone, has already invested 13 million usd
in what will be the La Célula dry port. The state
of Nuevo León, located on the border with the
United States, is looking to construct Interpuerto
Monterrey, the largest dry port in Latin America.
In June 2008, the Mexican newspaper
Excelsior reported that according to North
America’s SuperCorridor Coalition (NASCO),
Mexico will require nine working inland ports
before 2012. In an interview, Jorge A. Acevedo,
the executive director of the Guanajuato Inte-
rior Port, said there are plans to develop some
of these ports on thousands of hectares in the
states of Jalisco, Hidalgo, Aguascalientes, Za-
catecas, Puebla and Nuevo León. 01 02
38 Negocios infographic oldemar

S
O
B

N
A

O
JA
Punta Colonet

R
A
C
Guaymas

A
L
IF
O
R
N Topolobampo
IA
Loreto
B
A
JA

S
SE

II N
A

N
C

OF

A
A
A

LL O
L

CO

O
IF

A
RT
PACIFIC
O

E
OCEAN
R

S
Mazatlán
N
IA
S
U
R

Puerto Cortés Pichilingue

Cabo San Lucas Puerto Vallarta

Source: Ministry of Communication and Transport (SCT)

 cover feature ports

The Pacific Ocean Expansion

The National Infrastructure Program has put forth an investment
goal of 6 billion USD from the government and the private
sector by 2012. It will be used for the development of 12 ports

GULF OF
MEXICO

JALISCO

Lázaro Cárdenas Zihuatanejo

MIC
HO
AC
Á N
Manzanillo GU
ERR
ERO
 40 Negocios

Negocios figures
The Merchandise
Logistics
International Mexican merchandise Mexican Merchandise Traded
to US trade by mode of transportation With Canada and the United States
Millions of USD
by Mode of Transportation
2000 2005 2007 Millions of USD
Total trade 340,579 436,053 553,824
Trade with Canada
Exports 166,121 214,233 271,875   2000 2005 2007
Imports 174,458 221,820 281,949 Total trade 7,357 10,404 14,448
Air 27,752 26,138 33,117 Air 523 690 1,166
10,018 7,935 10,285 Water transport 967 1,473 1,845
Road 2,868 5,090 7,805
17,734 18,203 22,832
Rail 2,200 2,475 2,898
Water 53,304 92,663 132,391
Exports 3,340 4,234 6,491
27,775 47,236 68,130
Air 158 481 794
25,529 45,427 64,261 Water transport 466 766 868
Road 209,533 258,864 312,281 Road 970 1,819 3,475
105,951 136,408 163,242 Rail 1,743 1,054 1,316
103,582 122,456 149,039 Imports 4,017 6,169 7,957
Rail 31,332 31,315 44,325 Air 365 210 372
Water transport 501 707 977
21,737 18,210 27,005 Road 1,898 3,271 4,330
9,595 13,105 17,320 Rail 456 1,422 1,582

Trade with the United States

Mexican transportation infrastructure:
Total 274,934 302,110 362,606
System extent and facilities Length in kilometers Air 14,756 7,851 9,008
Water transport 23,610 38,491 49,785
2000 2005 2007 Road 193,246 208,526 243,676
Road 323,065 355,796 360,075 Rail 28,456 27,955 40,544
Paved 108,488 122,678 127,173 Exports 147,400 183,563 223,133
Major road system 101,798 111,900 114,061 Air 6,901 3,789 4,241
Water transport 16,993 29,350 38,125
Less than four lanes 91,585 100,669 102,445
Road 102,998 129,157 152,376
Four or more lanes 10,213 11,231 11,616 Rail 19,895 16,960 25,606
Pipeline 16,420 25,475 26,275 Imports 127,534 118,547 139,473
Gas 7,516 16,328 16,843 Air 7,855 4,062 4,767
Water transport 6,617 9,141 11,660
Oil 8,904 9,147 9,432 Road 90,249 79,369 91,300
Rail 26,655 26,662 26,677 Rail 8,561 10,996 14,938

NUMBER OF FACILITIES Mexican Transportation by the numbers

Vehicles/Equipment

2000 2005 2007

1,425 Air 6,476 7,172 7,572
1,215 Commercial aircraft 1,173 1,406 1,646
General aviation 5,303 5,766 5,926

37
37 Road (Commercial
freight vehicles) 4,939,417 6,980,738 7,870,417
infographic oldemar

Rail (Freight cars) 34,764 36,452 32,762

Water transport 2,200 2,348 2,387

2000 2007 2000 2007

Airports Ports and facilities Source: North American Transportation Statistics Database
 The lifestyle
T h e Complete Guide of the Mexican Way of L i fe .
Holbox
Teasure
Island
p. 60

Interview

javier
marín
Photo Courtesy of Javier Marín

Art in Motion
5 p. 42
42 Negocios i The Lifestyle photo courtesy of javier marín

Javier Marín,
Art in Motion
Over a 25-year career as a
sculptor, Javier Marín’s work
has become well positioned
not only in the Mexican market
but also in the United States and
Europe, where his art continues
on its journey.

By Francisco Vernis

When he discovered that his work touched

spectators in Mexico and France the same way,
Javier Marín (born in Uruapan, Michoacán in
1962) became certain that his job as a sculptor
was on the right track and that his message
was being heard.
Almost since the start of his career 25 years
ago, Marín’s work has gone around the world
and his journey doesn’t seem to be ending. The
same work is exhibited in the Museum of Art
in Zapopan, Jalisco as in Amsterdam, Milan
or Florida, where the J. Johnson Gallery,
which represents him in the United States, is
currently showing his most recent work. This
latest piece consists of bodies in distinct poses
and faces molded from such materials as clay,
resin and bronze.
Over the summer, Marín will display in
Holland “3 by 3,” the same exhibit that was
shown in Pietrasanta, a coastal town in Italy.
It is a series of nine monumental horses, three
colossal heads and other pieces that reflect his
creative search.
Another piece will be seen right in front
of Monaco’s cathedral, where it will remain
permanently. Something similar could happen
with his two-year project in Vancouver, inside
the Biennial of Monumental Art .
While his art moves around the world,
Marín works in his studio on another grand
project. With a religious-like routine and a
relaxed attitude that seems like it will never be
upset, the artist is currently designing a new
alter for the Zacatecas’ cathedral. The project
altar is developed under the auspices of the
state government –and one that Marín speaks
about with passion.
 interview Javier marín

Marin international

Since the start of his career,

Javier Marin has exhibited at Mexico’s
most prestigious venues, in addition
to taking his works around
the world.

2007
Contemporary Art Museum
in Oaxaca, Mexico
San Francisco de Asis Convent,
La Habana

2006
National Gallery of the
Children’s Museum,
San José, Costa Rica
Museum at Santa Clara Church,
Bogotá, Colombia

2005
Ex-Convent of Capuchinas, Guatemala
Ex-temple of St. Agustín,
Zacatecas, México

2004
Clavijero Palace,
Michoacán, México
Dominican Gallery, Prague,
Czech Republic
44 Negocios i The Lifestyle
Everything has flowed from a surprising
manner, he recounts standing in front of
the model, which is populated by angels
and saints made of plasticine that barely
supports the heat of the afternoon. Marín
participated in a contest organized by
Zacatecas’ Secretary of Tourism. He was
motivated by a fascination provoked for
the baroque church. Besides winning the
contest, his project has received the approval
of all involved sectors: the church, the state
and the local population.
Even though he was surprised by such
contentment, Marín is accustomed to things
turning out well. After an accumulation of
successes he have permitted him to live off of
his art, he sure that the most important thing
in life is defining what one wants and then
asking for it so it can become a reality.
More or less that’s how things have been
for him. A family tradition of artists (his nine
brothers are dedicated to art and his father
spent his free time painting) defined him
from the beginning and never put in doubt
what his profession would be. However, he
never thought he could make a living as an
artist.
Before finishing his studies, a friend
opened a gallery and invited him and two
other comrades to organize an individual
exhibition. The day of the opening, hesold
all his works. Then he knew it was possible
to dedicate his lifework to art while making
a living from it. The rest became a series of
fortunate successes.
The next step was a sculpture exhibit at
the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City.
The event was also well-reviewed by critics
and resulted in an invitation to show at the
MARCO museum in Monterrey, one of the
most coveted spaces for contemporary artists.
He no longer had to pass through smaller
galleries. Short after, he received an offer from
Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, and
that became the best platform to be reached
Shortly thereafter,
he received an offer from
Palacio de Bellas Artes in
Mexico City, various foreign
galleries showed interest
in representing
him abroad.
by foreign galleries willing to represent him
abroad.
He is now one of the most sought-after
Mexican artists. In 2003 he participated in the
Venice Biennial with a piece that had everyone
talking: a textile of bodies that were shaped
into a toboggan and that the artist later took
to a small church in Lithuania. Also, last year
he won the grand prize at the International Art
Biennial in Beijing.
In Search of Universal Expressions
How do you perceive the human body?
What does it represent for you?
I enjoy it because it’s an absolutely
universal language that is easily understood
by anyone. It’s not that I’m passionate about
the body from the point of seeing its anatomy
or its aesthetics. I like the idea that it’s a very
accessible language, common to all human
beings.
How do you relate to all
your subjects?
It’s a very intimate relationship because I
am all of my subjects. I relate to them as
intimately as I do with myself. I am convinced
they are all part of me.
How did you decide on sculpture?
By ingenuousness on my part because I was
going to work one year in sculpture, the next
in painting, the next engraving and the next
photography. But I began in sculpture and I
couldn’t leave it. There is always more and
more to find and discover and one thing takes
you to the next, trapping you. Now I can’t leave
sculpture alone.
So you will stay with sculpture?
I don’t believe so.
What advantages do you find in
sculpture over everything else?
No advantages, only differences.
And what are your distinct experiences
with the materials you utilize?
I began working with clay exclusively. I
enjoyed it because it had its own challenges.
Learning to construct with clay is difficult
because it’s shaped directly, not allowing you
to place structures or anything else. You have
to be very well-balanced, very calculated so
it can start taking the necessary rigidity to
photo Courtesy of javier marín
sustain what it is shaping. In addition what
clay has is its warmth and delightfulness
that results from working with it. Here you
understand very well that at one time it
occurred to somebody to say that the
first man was made of clay. It’s like skin.
It has the dampness of skin. But you always
turn to another side and bronze came about
and then resin. I was very prejudiced toward
bronze. But the trick is getting in there and
understanding a little bit about the process
and rescuing from that the things that go
well with my own expression. It has qualities
like strength and the type of
molding. If you mold with plasticine or with
clay, you have a super plastic facility. Resin
is interesting as a material because it is new,
industrial and it has an infinite range of
possibilities, from being transparent like
ice to looking like rock, or metal to having
the translucence of wax.
And now you make composites?
It was all a part of looking to enrich the resin.
Resin is only flat, very plastic. So I mix in an
organic material that provokes accidents,
something with an interesting charge like
amaranth, which was a ritual material used
by the Aztecs. This results in a terrific union.
I have also mixed materials with dried beef
and tobacco.
How much does your original
idea for a particular work change
during the process?
I start with an idea and I launch the bulk
of it. It becomes as much as I want it to be and
then I make a rubber mold that respects it just
the same.
interview Javier marín
46 Negocios i The Lifestyle photo Courtesy of javier marín
 interview Javier marín

What are your references?

The spectacular posters of the beltway
in Mexico City and the sensational magazines
of truck drivers, those are my references. I
don’t go to the classic sources because that
is not my purpose. I know those from the
perspective of a Mexican that lives in Mexico
City and who all grown-up discovered the
classic works in Europe. There are thousands
of influences that hang me up: classicism,
romanticism, gothic, expressionism. They
always bring something new and I like that
very much because I have always said that I
am a proud successor of the work of those
who were here before me. I naturally assume
it’s because it is part of me, of my grandfather,
of my great-great-grandfather.

How much of your message

is received?
I think very much of it. It’s difficult to pass in
front of my work and not turn around to see it
or to not feel or perceive it. People see it, they
feel it and something reaches them.
That keeps me making more.

Do you see big differences between

the art market in Mexico and other
countries?
Yes, I believe each place is different. Each one
has is peculiarities. There is something that
I really enjoy in Mexico. There is a youthful
quality to collecting. The United States is
more rigid because of the auctions.

As an art buyer, what do you like?

Things that get in my way. The last
thing I bought was a sculpture by Kioto
Ota, a Japanese artist who has lived in
Mexico for a long time. I’ve known him
since I was in school and during the MACO
fair, I saw one of his sculptures which I
enjoyed and I carried it off with me.

With the experience you’ve

had from places where you have
exhibited, do the spectators
change much?
There is one part that doesn’t change
and I enjoyed discovering that. The same
people that cry because of a piece in Mexico
cry in Italy, in China or in France. I always
look to make sure ideas or themes are
common to any human being. I don’t like
explaining my work. n
48 Negocios i The Lifestyle photos courtesy of gonzalo tassier

Across the
Tassier Universe
Gonzalo Tassier
is the only Latin
American graphic
designer who has
won the Sir Misha
Black Medal –one
of the field’s greatest
awards.

For many years, Gonzalo Tassier’s graphic

design work has accompanied Mexicans
in their daily lives through advertising
campaigns or company logos that have
turned into symbols of modern Mexico. The
colorful and eye-catching designs of the self-
taught artist and his studio, Retorno Tassier
(Tassier’s Return), enlarge the graphics
universe that million of people see, consume
and enjoy everyday. Through inventiveness
and originality, Tassier has become an
ambassador of Mexican talent.
Getting to where he is has not been
easy. Tassier has gone through professional
experiences that can be a source of
inspiration to any young graphic designer
who believes advertising and product design
are a form of art.
Tassier started drawing at a young age,
learning how to do it from life and books.
With a keen vision of his surroundings –fully
advertised Mexico City– he developed a self-
distinctive style: an assertive combination
of drawing and photography that always
transmits confidence and happiness.
The universe conveyed by Retorno
Tassier is optimistic, youthful and colorful,
but more than anything, it is unfussy.
Simplicity is perhaps his best weapon. Some
examples include: logos for canned foods
brand Del Fuerte; the proudly Mexican soda
Jarritos; and for Mexico City, which despite
its gray hues gives a sensation of tranquility
and perfectly reflects the history of the
metropolis.
Tassier’s career began in 1963. Since
then he has held different positions, always
drawing, creating images or inventing bright
worlds. At the beginning of his career,
he worked as an art editorial assistant
at different magazines. He then became
design gonzalo tassier
50 Negocios i The Lifestyle
a graphic designer for Herrero Editorial
and worked in European co-productions
creating art books until becoming graphic
art director for Arte Publicitario de México.
In 1971, Tassier became art director at
Giancarlo Novi Asociados. Then from 1974 to
1977, he was creative director for advertising
at D’Arcy, where he was in charge of such
accounts as Gerber, Indetel, General Popo,
Anderson Clayton, Clemente Jacques, as well
as the image of products from Kimberly Clark
and Cigarrera La Moderna. For a decade he
was creative director and partner of Design
Center and creative consultant for Grupo
Zimat. He was also creative director for Bozell
México, in charge of accounts like Chrysler,
Aurrerá, Teléfonos de México, Holiday Inn,
American Airlines and Fuji Films.
However, his real interest was always
to have his own brand and became a
household name therefore he created
“Tassier Universe”. In 1969, he founded the
graphic design firm Tassier and Associates,
S.A., which worked with private companies
and government agencies. But the firm only
lasted a couple of years. His dream would
eventually become true years later. In 1995,
he founded Retorno Tassier, a hard won
comeback and the product of years of work
and experience.
In recognition of his career, the London
Royal College or Art awarded him with the
photos courtesy of gonzalo tassier
prestigious 2008 Sir Misha Black Medal, the
highest award given to honor the work and
contributions of a designer. Past winners of
the award include the Serge Chermayeff,
the Spaniard Santiago Calavatra, the Swiss
Max Hill and Italian Ettore Sottsass. Tassier
is the first Latin American designer to win
the prize.
Among his most recent works is a
new logo for the Mexican postal service.
Regardless of the multiple offers to work
in other countries, Tassier is a true believer
of working in Mexico. He is a university
professor and travels around the country
and the world, giving lectures and showing
his art work in galleries and museums. n
 The Lifestyle briefs
Distrito Capital,
a new classic from
Grupo Habita
From the heart of the Mexico
City neighborhood of Santa Fe
arises Distrito Capital, the eighth
hotel from Mexico’s celebrated
Grupo Habita

Following the success of its recently opened

Hotel Habita in Monterrey, Mexico, Grupo
Habita has unveiled its eighth property,
Distrito Capital, located in the international
business neighborhood of Santa Fe in Mexico
City. The name of the hotel translates into
“The Capital District.” a suitable name for
a property situated right in the middle of
this zone in Mexico City, home to the most
cutting-edge architecture in the country.
Grupo Habita left nothing to chance
with its new property. The hotel boasts five
modern floors of casual luxury, filled with
prominent vintage furnishings, designer
cutlery from John Pawson and other small
yet significant in-room amenities.
The interiors, artfully crafted by Parisian
designer Joseph Dirand, focus on public
spaces that encourage social interaction, like
a lounge-friendly pool area, several terraces
and a film projection room. Other facilities
include a library, business center, conference
center, solarium and gym.
Its 17 rooms and 13 suites are full of
vintage furnishings by Charlotte Perriand
and other renowned 21th century designers,
making them more like chic art spaces
than overnight accommodations. Each

Photos courtesy of distrito capital by adrien dirand

room offers a leisure area, Acqua di Parma
amenities, wireless Internet, iPod docking
stations and 24-hour room service. The
suites come with an additional living room
and bathtub and the presidential suite has a
kitchenette and private gym.
A gastronomic hotspot, Enrique Olvera’s
restaurant and bar on the fifth floor, with a
spectacular panoramic view of Mexico City,
offers a delicious menu that will certainly
impress even the most refined palate.
With Distrito Capital, Grupo Habita
once again carries its signature chic and
outstanding service to a new location,
transforming it into an instant classic. n
52 Negocios i The Lifestyle photos courtesy of franz mayer museum/sector reforma/taschen books

exhibition READING MATERIAL

Ceramic, Purely Mexican

useful art Style
Ceramics can be anything from a container for
salsas to a sophisticated white dress. Examples Vibrant colors,
of this work will be exhibited at the 4th Bien- patterns, textures
nial of Utilitarian Ceramics, which continues and ideas can
until June 7th 2009, at the Franz Mayer Muse- be found in this
um in Mexico City. Visitors will be able to find guide that fea-
containers for the kitchen, garments to wear, tures the best of
jigsaw puzzles and even pieces of architecture. Mexican inte-
rior design for
www.franzmeyer.org.mx homes.
The authors
of Mexico Style
art journeyed
through homes, villas, haciendas, cabins
and palm shelters from Costa Careyes in the
state of Jalisco to Yucatán, finding places that
reflect the purest essence of Mexican style.

Ulf Rollof, Mexico Style

Edited by Angelika Taschen
Axolotl Photos by René and Bárbara Stoeltie
Translated to Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
Project www.taschen.com

In 1986, Swedish artist Ulf Rollof spent a sea-

son in Pátzcuaro Lake. He got to know the
axolotl salamander –black amphibians that
measure approximately 25 centimeters and
have gills that come out of their necks. He
immediately became interested in them and
in an attempt to figure out their mysterious
anatomy, Rollof dissected one of them. As an
act of reciprocity, he decided to show con-
nections between axolotls and the mysteries
of the human body. That’s how Project Axo-
lotl was born. The artist designed a series of
aquatic devices that through light permitted
communication with the salamanders.
This work is part of the collection at the
Contemporary Art University Museum
(MuAC) and from April 18th it will be on dis-
play along with sketches and documentation
about how it was created.
Contemporary Art University Museum
(MuAC), Hall 8, University Cultural Center,
Insurgentes Sur 3000, Ciudad Universitaria.
festival
Mexico:
Invited
Country
Mexico is the guest country at the HOT ART
Fair, held in Basel, Switzerland from June
9th-14th, 2009. The gathering is looking to
become “an international cultural platform,”
according to its official Web site.
The HOT ART Fair gathers emerging art-
ists from all disciplines of contemporary art.
In 2009, three Mexican galleries will have a
secured exhibition space: Nina Menocal, Ter-
reno Baldio Arte and Taeger & Pinto.

www.muac.unam.mx www.hot-art-fair.com  
 
 

 The Lifestyle briefs
City

Gastronomy, History
and Archaeology
Culiacán’s official name is Culiacán de Rosales,
in honor of Antonio Rosales, who defeated the
French during their invasion of Mexico from
1862 to 1867.  
Culiacán, the capital of the northeastern
state of Sinaloa, is the oldest city in that region
of the country.  
It has a wide variety of natural attractions
like the Ensenada del Pabellón wetlands,
Quevedo Bay, the Lucenillas Peninsula and
Punta San Miguel. The beaches of Altata

Photo courtesy of culiacán government

and El Tambor also shouldn’t be missed. The
city’s gastronomic offerings include chilorio,
machaca, white menudo and a great variety
of seafood like its famous aguachile. 
Archaeological sites like Valle de Culiacán
and Tecomate have turned the city into a
popular tourist attraction.  
Culiacán is also the home of great athletes
like soccer player Jared Borgetti, baseball star
Oliver Pérez and boxer Julio César Chávez.  

www.culiacan.gob.mx

lodging

Romantic and Tasty

Its name brings to mind two of the most
popular gifts associated with love: roses and
chocolate. Rosas & Xocolate is a boutique ho-
tel located in the heart of Mérida, in an area
where the Mayan civilization discovered co-
coa and offered it to its gods.
The colonial homes where it is located
were restored by the architect/design team
Photo courtesy of rosas & xocolate Design hotels

of Salvador Reyes Ríos and Josefina Larrain.

The work of this talented duo resulted in an
elegant and rustic hotel that was a combina-
tion of the ancient mansions of the Yucatán
Peninsula and modern accessories. Among
the main attractions are the bathtubs, which
have moveable roofs that allow guests to en-
joy a view of the stars while enjoying a rela-
xing bath.
This place was created for those who
take romance very seriously. 480 56-a street,
Mérida, Yucatán.

www.designhotels.com
54 Negocios i The Lifestyle photos archive

A Cyclone
of Crafts Exports
Mexican businessman
and artisan Oscar Daniel
Hernández is not only
exporting some of his
country’s best examples
of craftsmanship to Japan,
he is also creating
them.
By VANESA ROBLES

Óscar Daniel Hernández aka “Cyclone”

owns Mexican Commerce Company and
is one of the most successful exporters of
national crafts and fashion to the demanding
Japanese market.
His D.E. Oscar firm’s sterling silver pieces
are exhibited at the eight stores of Funny
Cowboy & Indians (www.funny-western.
co.jp) as part of the premium collection

available in cities like Osaka, Kobe, Hokkaido

and Tokyo, in the Disney park. Thanks to his
last collection, Hernández signed a contract
earlier this year with the Disney Company to
create his own line of Mickey Mouse themed
bracelets, rings and earrings. D.E. Oscar also
makes original design cowboy boots in León,
Guanajuato, exporting them to Japan. The
shoes are desirable and ready to be shown in
the most prestigious fashion magazines.

Why Cyclone?
I have a gift for speed. As a kid I was the
fastest. As a teenager, I was the fastest in
soccer. And today I think I am going faster
than my competitors when it comes to
exporting crafts to Japan.
At least in that last statement he is right.
But it is quality and not speed that has been
the key to his success.
Cyclone’s story is not a conventional
one. In the 1990s he traveled to Seattle,
Washington and Alaska to learn English. In
Seattle he met Emi, a young Japanese girl
who owned a clothing store. They became
friends talking about fashion.
In 1997 she invited him to her country.
During that trip they started a relationship,
eventually getting married. Emi’s father
report mexican commerce company
56 Negocios i The Lifestyle photos archive

Yoshi Kitaura, imports handmade products
from around the world for the Funny Cowboy
& Indians stores and also has an artisan
workshop in Japan. When Hernández was
about to return to home, his father in law
asked him if by any chance there were good
quality crafts in Mexico.
During 1997 and 1998, Óscar and Emi
traveled throughout Mexico. In the north,
they bought cowboy hats; in the central
states, silver and alpaca; in little towns
in Oaxaca they had textiles made; and in
Azomoc, Puebla, silver spurs. They gathered
all these artisan pieces and shipped them
to Japan. They believed those pieces would
leave their clients with open mouths. But the
result was unexpected: the clients wanted
something similar to what he offered them,
but not exactly the same.
In 1997, Hernández realized he was
interested in the exports business. Two years
later, during a yearlong trip to Japan, he
realized he wanted to be an artisan. In his
father in law’s shop, Cyclone quickly learned
report mexican commerce company
–as usual– an unexpected but pleasant skill.
He learned to be as patient as needed to
work on a unique piece and know when to
start from scratch if an error occurs.
The bad thing was that when he returned
to Mexico, nobody in Japan seemed
interested in his country’s craftwork.
Japan’s indifference continued for another
year. “You trained me. Now we can start all
over again,” he told his father in law over
the phone. Yoshi Kitaura let out a laugh
that sounded like he was making fun of him
and hung up the phone. Around that time,
Hernández planned a workshop, building a
model of it and investigating where to find
the best raw materials. “I came back with
a clear idea: teach people the same way I
learned,” he recalls.
In 2000, Emi called from Japan. Her father
was willing to start a workshop in Guadalajara.
All he asked in return was quality. Mexican
Commerce Company was created in mid-2001.
“The adventure began,” Hernández asserts.
Not everything has been a success.
To the left one of the designs of
Funny Cowboy & Indians.
Below silver wear belt buckle,
another of the main exports from
the Funny Cowboy & Indians.
Training the team he still works with took
a large amount of money and five years, too
much time for someone like the Cyclone,
who is used to speed. “In Japan I fell in love
with the patience I was taught and in Mexico
I made a point of teaching the same way. I
thought they would understand because we
speak the same language.”
In Japan, Hernández learned to be a
businessman. But he thinks of himself as
another worker. He pays fair wages, eats
lunch with his employees and asks them
about their well-being. “Treat others the
way you want to be treated,” he says quoting
Confucius.
And what about Japan?
We get along well. The recipe is to think
about even the most minor details. We fuse
things. For example, they work the leather
and I make leather objects. I travel there
twice a year to stay up-to-date.
Five thousand pairs of boots are loyal
witnesses that things are working. n
58 Negocios i The Lifestyle
Mexico is among
the top 20 countries
in Internet use,
ranking 13th in the world.
A Well Connected
Country
Everyday in Mexico over 22.7
million people use up to 14.8
million personal computers to
surf theWeb.
By Karla Juárez
Technological advances and changes have made
it possible for everything, or nearly everything, to
be done without the need to move. Worldwide,
more than 1 billion users are online daily, doing a
variety of activities from work and playing games
to keeping in touch with friends and family.
Mexico is very well connected to the
Web, with 22.7 million Internet users, of
which more than 19 million are 13 years
old or older and live in the country’s urban
areas, according to a 2007 survey from the
Mexican Internet Association (AMIPCI).
The Internet has become an important part
in the lives of Mexicans as 92% of users consider
it the most indispensable medium, more impor-
tant than cell phones or television.
According to the AMIPCI’s survey, of all
Internet accounts, 78% are broadband. And
this figure keeps rising, as the Internet seems
to have no limits.
For cyber users, being connected is not
enough as they use the Internet for a variety
of things. In Mexico, as in the rest of the world,
it’s used to solve work issues, conduct school
activities, perform banking as well electronic
trade transactions and of course, entertain-
ment. As a snapshot of this: 67% of Internet
users have uploaded a video or photo to some
of the world’s best known entertainment
sites, like YouTube or Google videos.
May 17, Internet Day 2009
In 2005, the United Nations established World
Society Information Day or World Internet Day.
This year, the focus will be on how to spur in-
dustry growth in this time of economic crisis.
Internet users also
59% have a video game console
22% with a console have an Xbox
game system
55% of those with a video game
console play online
Chatting
96% of Internet users sign up very
frequently on MSN Messenger
76% have more than 50 contacts
on their instant messenger
61% of instant messenger users
communicate with their friends
64% of them chat with people in their city
Worldwide
Mexico is among the top 20 countries in Inter-
net use, ranking 13th on the list.
1.8% of worldwide users are Mexico based.
Source:www.exitoexportador.com
Machines
Number of devices in Mexico
that can access the Internet, 2007.
14.8 million personal
computers in Mexico (PCs*)
63.2 million mobile
phones (adjusted**)
8.7 million computers
with Internet access
*Estimated figures
**The adjusted figure for mobile phones reflects
the total number of phones in use.
 >> LOG IN
TO

Business
with Mexico?
www.promexico.gob.mx
negocios@promexico.gob.mx
+52 (55) 5447 7070
60 Negocios i The Lifestyle photo courtesy of holbox island

Treasure Island
It is a secret that can no longer be kept. The fine white sand
and the seductive turquoise water cry out that Holbox Island
(pronounced ‘ol-bosh’) is the new paradise of the
Mexican Caribbean.
A paradise on Earth. A welcome escape from
the real world in the form of a tiny island with
idyllic characteristics. Holbox has been for
many years the best kept secret of residents in
southeast Mexico who prefer it to all the other
highly popular tourist areas in the zone.
But no more.
Lovers of the good life and demanding travel-
ers from all corners of the world have made it
into a must stop for any itinerary of Mexico’s
best beaches. Holbox Island, which takes its
name from the Mayan Word for “black hole”
(for the black lagoon located in its southern
side), is spread out over an area that is only 43
kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide north
of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Of this area, there are 34 kilometers
of pristine beaches with snow-white sand,
moderate waves, and the desirable blue
tones of the Mexican Caribbean.
The island is part of the Yum Balam
ecological reserve, which explains the abun-
dance of birds found there, including the
pink flamingo, which arrives in groups of
40,000 from April through October, as well
as other wildlife.
The Holbox community, founded in 1873
by fishermen and farmers, has been able to
maintain a balance between tourist com-
forts and a rustic atmosphere. The streets
are made of sand and there are no automo-
biles, except for golf carts that sometimes
serve as taxis.
Visitors mix with the fewer than 1,500
residents at the tiny plaza, enjoying the sim-
ple life without having to quit the comfort of
luxury hotels or a variety of restaurants with
impeccable confections.
The peak season runs from January
through April and also during the summer
months. During the rainy season –from May
through June– mosquitoes might be a bit of a
problem, but the climate is warm and pleasant
all year long.
Prisoners of the island’s magic, days on
Holbox go by worshipping the sun, a collection
of thousand of shells and snails that adorn its
destination holbox island
beaches in the caresses of the Caribbean.
For the adventurous, this island treasure
also guards surprises. Besides an intense
relax, Holbox offers a wide variety of activi-
ties. These include: snorkeling in Cabo Ca-
toche; helping when white turtles lay their
eggs; traveling to Bird Island, which has
more than 150 distinct species; visiting the
nearby Mayan ruins; fly fishing in the beau-
tiful Yalahau Lagoon, which separates Hol-
box from the mainland; getting to know the
nearby town of Solferino; and the jewel of
the crown: Swimming with whale sharks!
The indisputable king of Holbox, the
whale shark is nearly 15 meters long and is
as harmless as it is imposing. From May to
October, packages are offered that include
opportunities to spot manta rays, dolphins,
turtles and various chances to swim with
whale sharks.
Where to stay?
Holbox Island offers excellent lodging op-
tions at good prices. From places to camp to
62 Negocios i The Lifestyle
01
02
luxurious boutique hotels, there are alterna-
tives for all budgets, although hotels of me-
dium range offer the best option for quality
and price.
To camp
Holbox Golden Paradise
52 984 875 2426 y 52 998 577 4966
goldenholbox@prodigy.net.mx
www.holboxgoldenparadise.com
Casa Maya de José Lima
52 984 875 2428 y 52 984 138 2420
casaholbox@hotmail.com
www.casamayadejoselimaholbox.com
Both places offer space along the sea to pitch
tents, at a cost of about 10 usd per person per
night.
Posada Los Arcos
52 984 875 2043
info@isla-holboxhotelarcos.com
Located in front of the plaza, this hotel offers
rooms with fans or air conditioning.
From 30 to 40 usd per night.
03
04
Hotelito Casa las Tortugas
52 984 875 2129
info@holboxcasalastortugas.com
www.holboxcasalastortugas.com
One of the most attractive constructions on the
island. The rooms have hammocks or hanging
beds on the balconies. It also has a restaurant/
bar, a travel agency, a bookstore and Internet.
From 80 to 100 usd per night.
Villas Chimay
52 984 875 2220
info@holbox.info / www.holbox.info
This is an eco-resort that has pleasant bun-
galows with an exclusive view of the beach
and an excellent restaurant.
Casa Sandra
52 984 875 2171
reservations@casasandra.com
www.casasandra.com
This impressive hotel is part of the exclusive
Boutique Hotels of Mexico group. It offers
luxury suites, a spa, organized tours and a
succulent restaurant.
photos courtesy of holbox island
01 crystal clear water and white sand
are part of the landscape of Holbox Island.
02 the fauna includes pelicans,
manta rays, dolphins, among others
03 traditional architecture
of Holbox Island.
04 see and swim with the whale sharks.
05 relaxing is one of the most
important activities on the island.
On the opposite page Dusk at Holbox Island, is
one of the views that complete the experience.
05
From 220 to 560 usd per night.
Where to eat?
Most of the hotels have a restaurant and many
include continental breakfast in their price.
However, there are options to eat in town, where
it’s possible to mingle with other travelers.
Pizzería Edelyn
Better known as “The Pizzería.” At this res-
taurant, located in front of the plaza, it’s cus-
tomary to try the lobster pizza.
Pelícanos
A menu with an Italian accent and a bohe-
mian atmosphere is what this location offers.
It also has the best wine list in the area.
La Isla del Colibrí
A favorite of tourists, it offers breakfast, interna-
tional cuisine and occasional live entertainment.
Zarabanda
It is an institution. A place where fresh sea-
food, the hallmark of the island’s gastrono-
my, must be enjoyed. n
destination holbox island
 64 Negocios i The Lifestyle

Holbox
How to get there...
Holbox

P U N TA M O S Q U I TO
Chiquila
A ferry that goes to Holbox Island leaves
every hour from 5 am to 6 pm in the
winter and until 7 pm in the summer.
The trip costs less than 3 USD per person
YA L A H A O
and lasts around 35 minutes.
LAGOON
Alternatively, private boats can be hired
at all hours at the dock. The cost
depends on the number of passengers
(usually 10 can fit), but the average is
from 34 to 38 USD. The trip is much
faster than the ferry.
Chiquila
When traveling to Chiquila by car,
it’s best to park in town. Parking
MEX costs about 2.30 USD per day.
295

Valladolid
The trip lasts
2.5 hours and
Tizimin
also costs less Y U C AT Á N
than 5 USD. San Ángel

io
Kuntunilkín

ar
2h 3h
ic Investing in Holbox
V
a
El Cedral
on

In spite of its rapid growth,

Le

MEX MEX Holbox offers opportunities to

180D 180 buy land. Two of the agencies
MEX with a long history of promoting
180
Cancún land sales on the island are:
Q U I N TA N A three buses leave daily Playacar Beach Properties
ROO (two from the Mayab line (Damero Street and Tiburón
and one from Noreste) Ballena,
to the
MEXtownof Chiquila. in front of the main square.)
MEX
295
307 cost less than
Tickets 52 984 875 2203
5 USD and the trip lasts
around 3.5 hours Ricardo Barraza
Playa del Carmen & Asociados
CARIBBEAN (Cancún-based)
SEA 52 998 884 0434
Isla Cozumel 52 55 5351 1581
www.ricardobarraza.com
Airlines flying to and from Cancún
Air Canada Mexicana Airlines Continental Airlines United Airlines
52 (998) 892 18 84 (998) 881 90 90 (998) 886 0169 01 (800) 003 0777 (from MEX)
52 (998) 887 48 28 (998) 881 9042 52 (998) 886 00 69 1-800-538-2929 (from USA)
www.aircanadamex.com (Airport office) (998) 886 0040 (Luggage) www.united.com.mx
AirTran Airways 01 800 3665400 01 800 900 5000 USA 3000
1-800-965-2107 www.mexicana.com www.continental.com 998-881-9583
www.airtran.com Delta Airlines 998-881- 9549
Northwest Airlines
Alaska Airlines (998) 886 00 44 01 (800) 902 2100 (MEX) www.usa3000.com
(52-55) 5282-2484 (998) 886 0646 1 800-221-1212 (USA) US Airways
001-800-252-7522 (Reservations) Frontier Airlines (998) 886 0549
Spirit Airlines
001-800-654-5669 (Customer Care) 800-265-5505 (998) 886 0449
01 800 501 8212
infographic oldemar

www.alaskaair.com www.frontierairlines.com 800-428-4322

(998) 8843112
American Airlines www.spiritair.com Jet Blue Airways Viva Aerobus
(998) 887 3187 1 800-538-2583 (from USA) (81) 82 150150 (from MEX)
Sun Country Airlines
(998) 887 5517 01-800-861-3372 (from MEX) 1-888-9-3598482 (from USA)
1-800-778-4838
Airport: (998) 887 0129 www.jetblue.com www.vivaaerobus.com
1-800-455-9880 (TTY)
(01 800) 904 60 00
www.suncountry.com
www.aa.com