Guanajuato
From The Report: Mexico 2018
View in Online Reader

Economic expansion in the north-central state of Guanajuato outpaced that of the nation as a whole in 2017, registering GDP growth of 4.5%, compared with Mexico’s rate of 2.1%. In order to ensure long-term growth, the state is diversifying its economy by boosting the production of metals, food products and leather goods, while also pursuing innovation, partly by strengthening ties between local industrial companies and universities. The state is also expanding its trade ties in response to broader political dynamics, with both Mexico and the US appearing uncertain about the future of US-Mexico trade relations. Guanajuato still sends the majority of its exports to the US for now, but the state is working to expand its commercial ties.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Rising up the ranks: With the support of robust growth in key sectors, the state is continuing on the path of economic expansion and diversification
OBG
plus

Economic expansion in the north-central state of Guanajuato outpaced that of the nation as a whole in 2017, registering GDP growth of 4.5%, compared with Mexico’s rate of 2.1%. Overall, Guanajuato reported the sixth-highest increase in per capita GDP of any state in Mexico between 2013 and 2016. The state’s per capita GDP increased by 5% over the period, double the national average of 2.5%. In order to ensure long-term growth, the state is diversifying its economy by boosting the production…

Analysis

The automotive industry continues to create job opportunities: and spur development in education Driving force
OBG
plus

For decades the state government has prioritised the development of the automotive industry, and these efforts have led to it becoming a vital sector for Guanajuato. As such, it is now recognised as one of Mexico’s great economic success stories. “Until 1991, when General Motors arrived in Silao, the state’s economy was mainly based on agriculture,” Fabian Gamboa, the head of the Guanajuato office of ProMéxico, the national trade and investment promotion agency, told OBG. “Now, we have…

Analysis

Infrastructure works build the base for long-term development: On firm ground
OBG
plus

The wide-reaching transport infrastructure that connects the state’s industrial areas and population centres is one of Guanajuato’s key strengths. In fact, Guanajuato is widely considered to be one of the top-five states in terms of the quality of its infrastructure. Even more importantly, the investment practices implemented so far are likely to help the state draw in stronger levels of investment for further expansions and upgrades. Unlike most Mexican states, Guanajuato is unique in that…

Analysis

Growers are diversifying crops and producers are expanding: their operations, all of which is boosting output Agro-industrial revolution
OBG
plus

In addition to significantly expanding its manufacturing base, Guanajuato has also come a long way in building upon its roots in agriculture. For centuries Guanajuato has hosted a range of agricultural activities, with the sector traditionally being the primary source of income for much of the state. Over the last 20 years in particular many of the state’s farms have modernised their practices and diversified their produce. A major advantage for the state is its varied climate that provides a range…

Analysis

Exploring avenues: Rising investment to develop the state’s diverse tourism offering
OBG
plus

Among Mexico’s most celebrated and best-preserved colonial-era cities are Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende, both of which attract domestic and international visitors to Guanajuato. The two are renowned for their historic architecture, cultural sites and narrow, cobblestone roads, features that serve them well in drawing in high-end leisure tourists. Meanwhile, the state’s more modern cities – such as Irapuato, León and Silao – have focused more on building modern networks of roads…