"In the last years goods and services exports have played a major role in the dynamism of Mexico’s Economy, reaching a historical high of 32.7% G.D.P. by the end of the1999 year."
-The Mexican Bank for Foreign Trade

Why Mexico?

Competitive Advantages
• North American Federal Trade Agreement

- The elimination of duties on many products and raw materials.
- Mexico’s growth of free trade agreements.

• Maquiladora Program

- The maquiladora industrial program allows companies to import equipment, supplies, machinery, and raw materials into Mexico duty free.

• Logistics

- Mexico borders the United States, while Asian markets are 6,000 miles away.
- Mexico has over 51 international airports and 32 national terminals.
- Mexico has an important port system that includes 114 shipping lines from 110 different nations who handle foreign trade with Mexico.

• Mexico’s unlimited labor pool

• Raw materials and components

Productivity
• Motivated work force

• Employee retention and loyalty

Profitability
• Reduced labor costs and 48 hour work week

- Labor-cost productivity relation is one of the most efficient around the world, since the labor force is relatively cheaper, but with a higher productivity in connection with other developed countries.

• Reduced facility costs

Why Baja California?

In a study called "Attraction of Investment in Mexico", Baja California ranked as the # 1 State in Mexico. The ranking comprised of 8 factors:

• Human resources
• Physical access to market infrastructure
• Quality of life
• Economic situation
• Technological development
• Supplies and services
• Marketing conditions
• Investment promotion by the state government

Tijuana

Tijuana is located 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. Tijuana is the mecca of maquiladoras within the industry of electronics, metals, plastics, woods and textiles.

Facts:
• There are two major border crossings to San Diego: Otay Mesa and San Ysidro International Border (largest port of entry in Mexico for tourism)
• Proximity to major Ports in Long Beach, California and Ensenada, B.C.
• Continuous migration from the interior guarantee available labor.
• Quality of life in neighboring San Diego and great climate.
• Television assembly center of the world.
• Lowest unemployment rate in the country.
• International airports in Tijuana and San Diego.
• Largest maquila concentration in Mexico with 810 maquiladoras.

Tecate

Tecate is located 18 miles to the East of the city of Tijuana, Baja California; 40 miles North of the Pacific port city of Ensenada, B.C.; 30 miles South/East of San Diego. Tecate has a small town feel, but it has the same capabilities as it’s neighboring cities.

Facts:
• "Golden Triangle", located in the center of the most commercial triangle surrounded by:

- Newly built highways
- Toll roads
- Two major seaports
- Two international airports

• One major border crossing to Tecate, California.
• Town of Tecate is pro-maquiladora and industrial development.
• Developments in progress for maquiladora communities and industrial parks.
• Tecate currently has 142 maquiladoras.

Ensenada

Ensenada, the third largest city in Baja California, boasts a protected harbor and modern port facilities, making it Baja California's leading seaport. It is located 75 miles from the U.S. – Mexico Border.

Facts:
• 3rd largest city in Baja California
• Baja California’s major fishery
• Ensenada currently has 104 maquiladoras.