Integration and Prosperity: Mexico's Future Through Strategic Projects (Part 1)

The idea of a prosperous nation is something anyone aspires to. Living in a free, secure, developed country with opportunity is almost an unconscious conception of how any country should work. The world offers no shortage of examples; none of them perfect models, of course, but references and success stories that have shown us, over the years, what countries with clear vision, planning, organization, and methodical execution can achieve.

When we think of "major powers," I am certain nearly everyone pictures nations like the United States, Germany, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom. As a reference point, the World Economic Outlook, published annually by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), notes in its 2023 edition that, beyond those listed above, the ranking also includes: China, India, Italy, Canada, and Brazil. And, though it may seem surprising, Mexico holds the 14th position on that list.

The real challenge now is to translate this economic potential into shared prosperity. Like the global powers, Mexico needs visionary planning that integrates different economic sectors and the multiculturalism that defines the country's diverse regions.

Charting a country's course toward genuine development becomes more tractable when there is a precise sense of direction. It is not solely about generating financial resources; it is equally about giving society a stable foundation from which to advance. Without this, any effort becomes futile, consuming resources and, above all, time. This is why the various complementary plans framing the incoming Proyecto de Nación of president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, which will shape the Second Floor of the Fourth Transformation, carry such vital importance.

It is also familiar to us that every administration seeks to leave its mark through large-scale flagship projects or programs that endure over time and become an immediate reference point.

The stamp of "the Fourth Transformation," and everything it entails, will, I am certain, enter the annals of Mexican history as a governing ethos, with programs and projects that, beyond their nuances, will immediately evoke Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

If there is one thing that defines the outgoing president, it is, as I noted, a firm and unwavering vision of a more just and social country, one where undue privileges are dismantled and every person has access to the means to build a more dignified life.

Among this administration's flagship projects, I want to highlight one that I believe encapsulates the vision and lays the groundwork for a prosperous, more equitable country, one capable of fostering not only greater economic exchange but cultural exchange as well. I am referring to the rail projects and, as concrete cases, to the Tren Maya and the Corredor Interoceánico.

During my tenure leading the Global Economic Impulse strategy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), I focused on redesigning the country's investment framework so that, together with my team and the support of United Nations offices in Mexico, we could identify urban-regional and territorial-industrial investment poles and locate some of the most relevant value chains with broad territorial potential. Further detail on this project and its scope can be found in this entry on my blog, where I address it specifically.

In this sense, identifying these poles is not simply a matter of channeling investment into them so they generate isolated growth. On the contrary, the goal is to identify the right ones so that they develop gradually, generating spillovers not only within themselves but across their concentric areas. The idea is that, eventually, these poles intersect, enabling truly integrated regional development.

A nationwide rail development project is not merely about connecting the country's different regions for commercial purposes. It is a vision for weaving society together and forging connections that redefine our sense of nationhood and Mexican identity, something that has been eroding in recent years.

A national rail development plan can become a symbol of integration and social renewal in the 21st century, profoundly transforming life in Mexico and cementing the vision of a developed country. Just as China's high-speed trains have revitalized the economies of mid-tier cities, a rail network in Mexico could generate a similar impact, particularly in the central and southern regions, driving genuine shared prosperity. Every station and every route must serve not only as a physical connection but as an engine for forging a new national identity, interweaving regional cultures and advancing equity and social justice. This rail network would be a tangible symbol of the Fourth Transformation, marking a milestone in the country's mobility and cohesion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Mexico rank in the IMF's World Economic Outlook?

According to the IMF's 2023 World Economic Outlook, Mexico holds the 14th position among the world's largest economies.

What is the Corredor Interoceánico and why does it matter?

The Corredor Interoceánico is an infrastructure corridor connecting the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. It is designed to position Mexico as a strategic node in global trade routes and to stimulate industrial and territorial development in the southeast.

How can a national rail network drive shared prosperity in Mexico?

Drawing on the precedent of China's high-speed rail, a national rail network can revitalize mid-tier cities and rural corridors along its routes, generate investment spillovers across concentric areas, and over time create integrated regional development rather than isolated economic pockets.