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-Editorial
The 2024 Foro Index, held on October 22 and 23, marked a significant milestone as part of Index Mexicali’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and government representatives to discuss the future of manufacturing and economic development in the region. The forum featured speakers from across Mexico, addressing critical topics such as investment attraction, job creation, and the advancement of nearshoring strategies in Baja California, and the country at large.
Salvador Maese Barraza, President of the National Council of the Maquiladora and Manufacturing Export Industry (INDEX) in Mexicali, emphasized the forum’s importance in driving economic growth and strengthening the region’s industrial sector.
“Celebrating 50 years sounds easy but it’s the work of many generations of men and women that do manufacturing from Mexicali to the world,” Maese Barraza told Beyond Borders Gazette and said they would close this event by recognizing the women that are part of this industry. “Women represent 43,000 jobs in Mexico in our export sector and we feel very proud.”
The forum served as a platform for in-depth discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities facing the maquiladora and manufacturing sectors. A particular focus was placed on nearshoring, which has become an increasingly relevant strategy for companies looking to relocate operations closer to the U.S. market. The speakers highlighted how Baja California, with its strategic location and established manufacturing base, is well-positioned to become a hub for nearshoring efforts.
The final day of the 2024 Foro Index was packed with insightful discussions and commemorations. The day began with a panel titled “Nearshoring and Opportunities for Supply Chain Development in Mexico,” featuring experts Emilio Cadena and Salvador Maese. The session also included the inauguration and unveiling of a commemorative plaque, marking the forum’s significance. A key presentation by Eduardo García Lecuona, President and CEO of Intercam Grupo Financiero, explored the “Nearshoring Expectations for 2025,” outlining strategies for future growth. Another significant panel addressed labor commitments under USMCA’s Chapter 23, with contributions from key figures like Pablo Solorio from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and Baja California’s Secretary of Labor, Alejandro Arregui Ibarra.
Throughout the day, other notable discussions took place, including Javier Torre’s talk on talent opportunities amidst new challenges and a panel on “Competitiveness and Innovation in Mexico’s Global Industry,” moderated by Luis Solís. Key panelists included Baja California’s Secretary of Economy and Innovation, Kurt Honold, and CETYS University’s President, Fernando León García. The forum also recognized women who have demonstrated excellence across different sectors, celebrating their achievements in Mexicali’s industry. The day concluded with a keynote speech by Jorge Lozano, encouraging attendees to embrace change with the talk “The Revolution is You.” The sessions reinforced the event’s goal of fostering economic growth and positioning the region for future opportunities.
One of the recurring themes throughout the forum was the necessity of continuous investment in workforce development and infrastructure. As the region aims to solidify its role as a key player in nearshoring, the need for qualified technical personnel has become more pressing. Industry leaders at the event called for expanded training programs and partnerships between educational institutions and businesses to prepare the local workforce for the evolving demands of the manufacturing sector.
The forum was one of many events organized to celebrate Index Mexicali’s 50 years of fostering economic growth and industrial development in the region. Founded in 1974, Index Mexicali has played an important role in representing the interests of the maquiladora industry, which has been a driving force behind the economic development of Baja California. Over the decades, the organization has expanded its services to include consultancy on customs, social security, housing, and labor issues, as well as facilitating interactions between companies and local and federal government agencies.
In keeping with the spirit of community involvement, Index Mexicali also organized a series of sports events as part of the anniversary celebrations. The INDEX MEXICALI 2024 Padel tournament, held from May 2 to May 5, drew enthusiastic participation from athletes across the region. Hosted at the Palestra Club Deportivo, the tournament saw competitors vying for prizes, with champions awarded Adidas shovels and runners-up receiving Adidas backpacks. The event not only fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants but also underscored the organization’s commitment to promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Index will host its annual golf tournament in partnership with Imagen Radio in November and dinner to close the year-long celebration.