growth towards the oceans

Transcription

1 Country s Infrastructure DestInatIon Holbox Treasure Island growth towards the oceans 5 Port facilities improve links to the world An Oasis of Competitiveness Industrial Parks Electrical Infrastructure Development and Progress V logistics A Matter of Business

2 2 Negocios Firms 6 Country s Infrastructure, Outstanding Opportunities By Bruno Ferrari 34 mexico grows towards the oceans Port facilities improve links to the world Contents 11 Briefs 14 Mexico s Partner 14 Report 40 Figures 8 Business tips: logistics, a matter of business 21 A vital circulatory system Every year in Mexico, 574 million tons of merchandise move through a 360,000 kilometers road network. 30 Electrical Infrastructure Development and Progress An oasis of Competitiveness Industrial parks: Infrastructure, communications and security. 18

3 A Competitive Country Mexico is a country of young people. During the next 30 years, the working population will rise to 69 million. 3 million 250,000 2,539 Higher Education Institutes Postgraduate students Young students 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 4 Negocios 42 Directory ProMéxico CEO Bruno Ferrari ProMéxico Image and Communications Director Ricardo Rojo Proméxico Managing Coordinator Andrés Tamariz Proméxico Advertising and Suscriptions Miguel Ángel Samayoa Interview javier marín Art in Motion The lifestyle Contents Destination teasure island A secret that can no longer be kept 51 The Lifestyle Briefs 48 Design Across the tassier universe The only Latin American designer who has won the Sir Misha Black Medal Award 54 Report A Cyclone of Crafts Exports Mexican businessman and artisan Oscar Daniel Hernández 58 Technology A well connected country Mexico surfs the web 60 Proméxico copy editing Gabriela Mejan Ganem taller méxico Publisher Alejandro Serratos [email protected] Taller México general manager Emmilú López Valtierra [email protected] Taller México copy Editing Felipe Zúñiga [email protected] Piso de ediciones senior writer Vanesa Robles [email protected] Taller México design director Jorge Silva [email protected] Taller México Design Ma. Elena López [email protected] Juan Pablo R. Valadez [email protected] Piso de ediciones Staff Writers Karla Juárez Sandra Roblagui Lucila Valtierra Mauricio Zabalgoitia Proof Reading And Translation Lozano Translations contributors Oldemar, Vanesa Robles, René Valencia, Francisco Vernis. ProMéxico is not responsible for inaccurate information or omissions that might exist in the information provided by the participant companies nor of their economic solvency. Title certificate of lawfulness Text certificate of lawfulness Number of Title Reserve Postal Registry PP 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., Phone: +52 (55) 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 responsability derived from any omissions, inaccuracies or mistakes. This is an editorial project for ProMéxico by Taller México & Piso de Ediciones. Download the PDF version of Negocios magazine in

5 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 6 Negocios From the CEO. Country s Infrastructure outstanding opportunities Mexico 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

7 offices abroad ProMéxico Headquarters + 52 (55) [email protected] Singapore Regional Director [email protected] Offices: Mumbai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei Mumbai [email protected] Singapore [email protected] America Sao Paulo Regional Director [email protected] Offices: Buenos Aires, Bogota, Guatemala, Santiago, Sao Paulo Buenos Aires [email protected] Bogota [email protected] Guatemala [email protected] Santiago [email protected] Sao Paulo [email protected] Houston Regional Director [email protected] Offices: Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver Dallas [email protected] Houston [email protected] Los Angeles [email protected] San Francisco [email protected] Vancouver [email protected] New York Regional Director [email protected] Offices: Chicago, Miami, Montreal, New York Chicago [email protected] Miami [email protected] Montreal [email protected] New York [email protected] Asia Shanghai Regional Director [email protected] Offices: Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo Beijing [email protected] Hong Kong [email protected] Shanghai [email protected] Seoul [email protected] Tokyo [email protected] Sydney [email protected] Taipei [email protected] Europe London Regional Director [email protected] Offices: Brussels, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris Brussels London [email protected] Madrid [email protected] Milan [email protected] Paris [email protected] Frankfurt Regional Director [email protected] Offices: Dubai, Frankfurt, Moscow, Stockholm, Switzerland Dubai [email protected] Frankfurt [email protected] Moscow [email protected] Stockholm [email protected] Switzerland [email protected]

8 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 offering 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 already 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 Mexico are steadily growing as the country increases its participation in international trade and remains the destination of choice for transnational companies seeking to reinforce 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 extending roadways, railroads, seaports, airports and dry ports all around the country. Lo- 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. gistical services and transportation capabilities go hand-in-hand. Therefore, private and public investment in this infrastructure over the next few years will result in better business opportunities for the supply chain of logistics solutions. Quality transportation, timely delivery to final destination markets and development of warehouse locations are key things needed to maintain the nation s competitiveness. 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 modernization of existing terminals. NIP covers 34 key projects in the environmental, 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, transportation, telecommunications, security and tourism. Information to identify market and investment opportunities related to NIP can be found in Compranet the Mexican government s electronic procurement system at compranet.gob.mx, which publishes

9 business tips information on the government s procurement processes. ABCs of Public Procurement in Mexico International companies interested in participating in NIP tenders should consider some basic information about public procurement in Mexico: The public procurement market in Mexico is divided into federal and subfederal levels. The federal level is comprised of government agencies and state companies, such as PEMEX, while the sub-federal level refers to state and municipal governments. NIP projects will be conducted under federal level rules. Article 134 of the Mexican Constitution 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 diverse. The Ministry of Economy has brought it all together in a useful directory where companies interested in outsourcing logistical services can find the best providers in the country. This directory can be consulted at n

10 ip. 52 p. 58 p. 62 p. 44 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 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. >> inside every edition 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. Expo ZaragoZa International Water Festival Interview, Zélika García, Contemporary art & business. photo: luzma gonzalez Zélika garcía, is the Head of Feria México Arte Contemporáneo. Mexico s Partner A conversation with Thierry Blouet Architecture, UNAM New buildings & contemporary projects. [email protected] +52 (55)

11 imports Nearly Half of Foreign Beer in the United States is Mexican briefs. 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 the import brands preferred by Americans. They were followed by Tecate, Guinness and Corona Light. Photo courtesy of tecate investment Luxury in Cancún 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 Hotels 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 important opportunity to expand into the luxury resorts sector. Economic impact Banorte 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.

12 12 Negocios Photos courtesy of pemex/nh hotels/camino real/archive medical tourism Sound Mind and Sound Body That saved them 14 billion usd that they would have spent attending a hospital in their country. 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 agency that offers health and travel packages. In 2008, Hospitales Ángeles received 1,500 patients from the United States and it s looking to doble that figure in It s estimated that last year US citizens spent 2.1 billion usd on medical tourism. That saved them 14 billion usd that they would have spent for the same care in their country. manufacturing supplies for assembly plants US company Wisconsin Tool has begun operating its new metallic parts production plant in the El Bajio industrial park, located 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. industry Canadian firm opens 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 cylinder tubes is ready to start its first stage of production and employ 150 people from this beautiful region, said Jesus Nuñez Garibai, Mailhot Mexico s president. Mailhot is one of the world s best manufacturers of nitrated hydraulic and telescopic cylinders which are used by several industries.

13 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. financing In Spanish Hands Spanish finance company Caja de Ahorros Mediterráneo (CAM) has entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Credito Inmobiliario to buy 100 percent of the finance company for nearly 180 million usd. The new owner will allocate 80 million more usd to strengthen the company s capital and achive its financial independence. briefs. energy Injecting Million into Oil Exploration 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. energy Emerging Markets Focus on Renewable Energy REEM09 (Renewable Energy in the Emerging 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. The event was an exclusive opportunity for attendees to collaborate and form partnerships 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 and the Caribbean. From April 27 to April 29, the conference featured numerous renewable energy technologies including: wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, biofuels and hydrogen. It also provided policy makers from these areas of the world the opportunity to learn from the various marketenabling policies and incentives that can be replicated in any country. The conference was sponsored by the Center for International Trade Development and coordinated by the Bay Area Center for International Trade Development. State-owned Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has awarded a 646 million usd contract to Weatherford International Ltd. for the drilling of 500 wells in Chicontepec, Veracruz, which will be one of the largest oil field production sites. Pemex will invest 2.3 billion usd in that geographically difficult basin, where it hopes to produce between 600,000 and 700,00 barrels per day by Weatherford of Mexico, a subsidiary of Weatherford International Ltd. beat out six other firms for the contract. The project will unfold between April 2009 and July 2012, according to Pemex.

14 14 Negocios Photo courtesy of mecano america Skyworks, A Source of Competitiveness Skyworks Solutions, Inc. is an innovator of high reliability analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling a broad range of end markets such as automotive, broadband, cellular infrastructure, energy management, industrial, 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 set applications, to name just a few. Headquartered 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 California, Mexico, has been manufacturing integrated circuits since Over the years, Skyworks has made significant investments in technology, facilities, and state-of-the-art equipment, yielding 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 customers worldwide. n Above the skyworks lab center.

15 report national infrastructure program Investment in the Country With the NIP , the Mexican government aims to position the country as one of the main logistics platforms in the Americas and the world. By Karla Juárez 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 economic, 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 kilometers of highways and rural roads, including more than 1,400 kilometers of railways and developing systems I, II and III of the Suburban Railroad of the Valle de México metropolitan zone; constructing various airports including Ensenada and Mar de Cortés as well as expanding those in Cancún and Toluca; developing 10 new multimodal concourses; extending capacity of ports; and increasing 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 infrastructure competitiveness index. n

16 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 industrial park is a geographical area defined, planned and designed especially for the installation of industrial plants that bring together the best conditions for location, infrastructure 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 administer 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 attract 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 materials 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, electricity, paved streets, lighting and treatment plants; and that have maintenance and security services. The large global companies and their respective suppliers along the production

17 report industrial parks

18 18 Negocios photos courtesy of oradel chain require being settled in locations where they are guaranteed adequate infrastructure, in addition to industrial buildings with sophisticated specifications, said Claudia 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 industrial buildings constructed according to the needs of investors, genera-ting the phrases builtto-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 services to all their clients, like the ability to operate 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 electricity in a spacious building. A distribution company will require a building more than 8 meters high and loading platforms and large patio 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 connected from the beginning to the external sector, mainly to the maquiladora industry, which rose in the middle 1960s. The first industrial park was established in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua in 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.

19 report industrial parks in the mid 1980s, during the country s commercial opening and its contact with globalization, that the sector began to take off and foreign investors started arriving. Working with national companies, these investors developed this type of infrastructure to receive companies that were arriving to the country. This new phase of industrial parks was characterized by the consolidation of portfolios made up industrial buildings being leased through long term contracts in dollars, by the reduction of profit margins and by more aggressive competition due to the arrival of new players 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 manufacturing schemes. The costs of transportation and distribution 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 biggest 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 affected without a doubt the industrial real estate sector in the areas of financing and the occupation 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 looking 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 important 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- pete in terms of cost and logistics. 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. 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 20 Negocios infographic oldemar To Become an Industrial Park REQUIREMENTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND URBANIZATION Sufficient and efficient lighting on roads, sidewalk with an average of 8 lights per km Concrete harnesses Acceleration and deceleration lanes or an access road to the park Networks of electrical energy Street nomenclature and lot numbers Paved roads of concrete asphalt and hydraulic concrete Green areas 5% of the park s total area Drainage with any one of the following solutions: Horizontal and vertical signage (informative, restrictive and preventative) Construction density 70% Maximum uprooting of the area 30% Open spaces Disposing of residual waters to the municipal network Reuse prior to treatment Releases to the open sky, prior to treatment, complying with valid regulations and with the permission of the CNA Basic services in the park s area: Minimum service recommended Drinkable water and/or of industrial use 0,5 l/s/ha 1,0 l/s/ha Electricity (medium tension) 150 kva/ha-250 kva/ha Telephones 10 lines/ha- 20 lines/ha Unloading of leftover water Water drainage in line with local rainfall levels hourly precipitation from the geographic area SOURCE: MEXICAN LEGISLATION FOR INDUSTRIAL PARKS, NMX-R-046-SCFI-2005.

21 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 Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), transporting 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 originating 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 22 Negocios Photos courtesy of sct 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 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 decentralized 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 Veracruz, had its biggest expansion during the era of President Porfirio Díaz, who led the country for most of the period from 1877 to 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 nationalized the country s railroad system, creating 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 railroad network to private interests. Since that time, the amount of merchandise carried by this mode of transportation made an important jump, going from 50 million tons in 1995 to nearly 100 million tons by Currently, the majority of the railroad network is managed by two companies. The largest 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) currently manages 4,251 kilometers of railroads that cross 15 states in the industrial heart of

23 report highway and railroad infrastructure Mexico: Michoacán, Estado de México, Distrito Federal, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Veracruz, 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 Michoacán and runs to Kansas City, Missouri in the Central United States. Our network makes up 20% of the country 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 company has invested more than 700 million usd, more than 200 million usd just in 2008 alone. Most of this investment is going into the International Railroad Corridor, now that 70% of the cargo that arrives at Lázaro Cardenas Port is distributed by railroad to the industrial centers in Mexico and the United States. This corridor offers an alternative to the highly congested US ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Because of this, KCSM is projecting it will invest 80 million usd for the construction of an Intermodal Railroad Terminal on the Island of the Palm Trees in this port in Michoacán and more than 200 million usd on the construction of an intermodal terminal in a central Mexican state. In addition, the company has considered constructing a new railroad bridge in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, located in the northeastern part of the country along the US-Mexico border. Currently, the company has 3,500 workers in Mexico. In spite of the difficult conditions due to the national and international economic crisis, we have made a strong effort to keep our labor force intact, Eaton said. n Private Railroad Companies in Mexico - Ferrocarril Mexicano (Ferromex) - - Kansas City Southern de México (KCSM) - - Ferrocarril Coahuila Durango - - Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec - - Ferrocarril del Sureste (Ferrosur) - - Ferrocarriles Chiapas Mayab - - Ferrocarriles del Valle de México (Ferrovalle) -

24 Lázaro 24 Negocios infographic oldemar Infrastructure in 2012 DRY PORTS AND MULTIMODAL TERMINALS Tijuana Mexicali Ciudad Juárez Nogales Ensenada Punta Colonet Hermosillo Chihuahua Guaymas Topolobampo Torreón Culiacán Durango Gómez Palac Mazatlán Tepic Aguascalientes x2 x2 Guadalajara x3 Colima Manzanillo

25 maps infrastructure Symbolism Loading docks Port terminals Private automotive terminals Nuevo Laredo New legs/ Reconstructions Rural roads New multimodal corridors Work on progress at terminals x4 Matamoros Monterrey Saltillo io Ciudad Victoria x4 Altamira x3 Puerto Progreso San Luis Potosí Tampico Mérida Guanajuato Irapuato Querétaro Pachuca Toluca DF Puebla x3 Jalapa Coatzacoalcos Veracruz Córdoba Villahermosa Orizaba Oaxaca Cardenás Confinement of the corridor Orizaba-Río Blanco-Cd. Mendoza Salina Cruz Tapachula Ciudad Hidalgo

26 26 Negocios infographic oldemar Infrastructure in 2012 MAIN AXES AND ROADS San Diego Symbolism Altiplano Tijuana Transpeninsular of BC Guerrero Negro Cabo San Lucas Ensenada San José del Cabo Mexicali Bahía de los Ángeles La Paz Loreto San Luis Río Colorado Puerto Peñasco Caborca México-Nogales branched to Tijuana Mazatlán Sonora Santa Ana Guaymas Hermosillo Cd. Obregón Los Mochis Culiacán Nogales Tucson Mazatlán-Matamoros Durango Querétaro-Ciudad Juárez Torreón Ciudad Juárez Chihuahua Río Grande United States of America El Paso El Porvenir Saltillo Mexico-Nuevo Laredo branched to Piedras Negras Monterrey Linares Acuña Piedras Negras Nuevo Laredo Reynosa Matamoros Mexico - Tuxpan Manzanillo-Tampico branched to L. Cárdenas Acapulco-Veracruz Transithmus Circuit Other highways from the network Dallas San Antonio Houston Tepic Zacatecas Matehuala Aguascalientes San Luis Potosí Ciudad Victoria Altamira Guadalajara Manzanillo Colima Guanajuato Querétaro Morelia DF Pachuca Lázaro Cárdenas Tlaxcala Puebla Chilpancingo Acapulco Oaxaca Tampico Tuxpan Veracruz-Monterrey branched to Matamoros Veracruz México-Puebla -Progreso Coatzacoalcos Villahermosa Puerto Progreso Mérida Campeche Champotón Cancún Huatulco Salina Cruz Arriaga Tuxtla Yucatán Peninsula San Cristobal de las Casas Chetumal Only Federal Government developments are considered Puebla-Oaxaca-Cd. Hidalgo Tapachula Ciudad Hidalgo

27 maps infrastructure Tijuana San Diego National railroad systems AND THE CONNECTIONS TO THE US Tecate Calexico Phoneix United States of America Albuquerque Symbolism BNSF TPM Ferromex Ferrosur Shortlines SDIV International conections Nogales Guaymas Topolobampo Hermosillo El Paso Cd. Juárez Chihuahua Torreón Presidio Eagle Pass Piedras Negras Nuevo Laredo Laredo Dallas Waxachachie Galveston Corpus Christi Iowa Memphis Alrmingham Mobile Pensacola New Orleans Mazatlán Durango Zacatecas Aguascalientes Monterrey San Luis Potosí Altamira Matamoros Guadalajara Manzanillo Lázaro Cárdenas Querétaro Pachuca DF Puebla Veracruz Campeche Mérida Oaxaca Salina Cruz

28 28 Negocios infographic oldemar AMPIP INDUSTRIAL PARKS Simbology Primary road Railroad Logistics main corridors San Diego 1, 10, 17, 19, 25, 26, 47 y 55 Tijuana Ensenada Loreto San Lucas Calexico Mexicali 7, 35, 37, 38 y 54 Hermosillo Guaymas La Paz Mazatlán 26 Querétaro 20, 26, 28 y 39 Estado de México 1, 13, 15, 20 y 47 DF Phoenix Nogales 6, 26, 52 y Los Mochis Culiacán 1, 7, 24, 40 y 47 Guadalajara Manzanillo 8 y 34 Pachuca Agua Prieta 26 y 48 Tlaxcala 11 Puebla 42, 21, 16 y 49 2 y 46 Chihuahua 27 Gómez Palacio Morelia Zacatecas Lázaro Cárdenas Guanajuato 1 y 23 United States of America Ciudad Juárez 2, 5, 6, 36, 28, 33 y 46 Acapulco Presidio Piedras Negras Cd. Acuña 3 3 Ramos Arizpe 3 y 9 Torreón 3 y Saltillo DF Monterrey San Luis Potosí 29, 31 y 45 Pachuca 8 y 32 Oaxaca 1, 2, 7, 18, 26, 47 Salina Cruz 4 41 y 51 Altamira Tampico TuxtlaGutiérrez Nuevo Laredo 26 y 32 Veracruz Dallas 15, 20, 22, 30 y 47 Reynosa 26 Matamoros Mérida 43 Villahermosa 44 y 50 Coatzacoalcos Guatemala Houston Puerto Progreso Campeche Belize Chetumal Cancún Main maritime ports Main cargo airports Industrial Developers of Mexico AMB Property México American Industries Amistad Industrial Developers API Altamira Bermudez International Brasa Desarrollos CP Americas COFOIN Hidalgo Davisa Desarrollos Inmobiliarios El Florido Parque Industrial FIDECIX Tlaxcala Fideicomiso Zacatecas FIDEPAR Estado de México FIPAIM Michoacán Gicsa Grupo Alas Grupo Frisa Grupo Garza Ponce Grupo La Mesa Grupo O Donnell Grupo Property Plus Grupo Río San Juan Guanajuato Puerto Interior Hines IAMSA Intramérica Las Américas de Torreón LaSalle Invesment Management Logistik FTZ Marhnos Millenium Industrial Park Oradel Industrial Center Parque Ind. Antonio J. Bermúdez Parque Industrial Atitalaquia Parque Industrial Calafia Parque Industrial Los Fuentes Parque Industrial Maran Parque Industrial Mexicali Parque Industrial Querétaro Parque Industrial San Jorge Parque Industrial Santa Fe Parque Industrial Valle de Tehuacán Parque Industrial Yucatán Parque Logístico Industrial Tabasco Parque Logístico SLP Parques industriales Intermex ProLogis Prudential Real Estate Investors SEDECO Puebla SEDECO Tabasco SEDECOP Veracruz The Offshore Group Trento Industrial Park de Sonora Verde Corporate Realty Services Vesta

29 report expologística 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 planning, supervision, efficiency, the optimization of processes and products delivery. In the 2009 edition, 300 Mexican and multinational companies participate as exhibitors. The main themes include: the viability of efficiency and the protection of the environment. The occasion 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 logistics; logistics operators and cargo agents; logistics suppliers for small and medium companies; and multimodal transportation. All of this is focused on the idea that logistics can also be 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 Logistica (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 the Numbers Month - July Exhibition Area - 13,000 Sq. Meters - Exhibitors Visitors - 10,000 - Specialized Pavilions Lectures - 25 Sessions - Down the crowd at Expologística, where the entrepeneur can find almost every option of logistics for his business. Photos courtesy of distrito capital by adrien dirand

30 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 fundamental to its development. It not only benefits its industry and cities but also has a decisive impact on the lives of each of its citizens. A quality electrical infrastructure, which provides service to a country s entire territory, is synonymous with progress and modernity. In addition, electrical energy service of quality and sufficient coverage are fundamental aspects of decisions on where to invest, as a large electrical capacity guarantees any productive activity will be done successfully. Mexico can boast of a quality electrical infrastructure that provides sufficient coverage 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 territory. This considerably reduces costs for supplying energy to productive activities. Mexico s actual electrical capacity is 37 percent greater than in 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

31 special report Electrical infrastructure

32 32 Negocios photo courtesy of cfe la venta/iberdrola renovables 2006, more than 6.7 billion usd was invested to build 28 new main electrical stations. Mexico has decided to boost its generation 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 energy projects, the federal government created the so-called Open Season, an agreement between the CFE and various private companies, which have committed to financing the construction of a new 145 kilometer long transmission line that will run from La Ventosa (an electrical 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. security of service should not be the only thing considered. Respect for the environment is another factor to take into account. The total investment cost for the infrastructure to transmit and interconnect the new wind energy projects with the national electri-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 Season is finished, before 2013, seven companies besides CFE will begin wind energy projects in the country. These companies are: Desarrollos Eólicos Mexicanos, Eoliatec del Pacífico, Eoliatec del Istmo, Gamesa Energía, Preneal de México, Unión Fenosa Generación México and Fuerza Eólica del Istmo. Wind energy is now part of the electrical infrastructure used by Mexico to supply power to households, factories, businesses, airports and ports. Through an important revision of the national electrical network, done by CFE between 2004 and 2006, more than 54 work projects enable 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 This is due also to the operations of the Chicoasen 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 engineering 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 concrete face, there is room for up to 12 soccer fields. These characteristics make it the second such structure of its kind, right after Aguamilpa, 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 hydroelectric central stations are part of this considerable 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

33 special report Electrical infrastructure

34 34 Negocios photo courtesy of juan carlos noriega/punta colonet

35 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 between regions. Mexico knows this. What has changed through history is the infrastructure of these port installations, which, paradoxically, have become more efficient thanks to the marketing of innovations 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 Pacific 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 million tons of merchandise, equivalent to 12% of the world s grain production, according to the World Trade Organization. Imports, through more than 26 daily arrivals of large commercial ships at ports, totaled 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 development of things used in everyday life by thousands 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 36 Negocios photo courtesy of antonio ruelas/puerto de altamira In 2007, million tons were exported from Mexican maritime ports. The majority of them were petroleum and hydrocarbon byproducts (97.4 million tons) and bulk minerals (20.5 million tons). In contrast to older ports, the majority of present day ones specialize in receiving and shipping particular products and setting aside extensive areas for industrial and warehouse spaces, creating 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 quality 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 expansion. The National Infrastructure Program has put forth an investment goal of 5.1 billion usd from the government and the private sector by It will be used for the development of 12 ports: Punta Colonet, in Baja California; Cabo San Lucas, Loreto, Cortés and Pichilinche, 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 Coordination of Ports and the Merchant Navy of the Ministry of Communications and Transportation. The investment for 2012 proposes the expansion and construction of new navigation canals and the construction of marine platforms and industrial complexes. It also includes the creation of multiple use terminals 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 warehouses at strategic points in the interior of the country responsible for operations and distribution of products through different routes. The Mexican government s national development plan envisions 10 dry ports operating before These include one already working in San Luis Potosí in the northwestern area of the country; the Guanajuato Interior

37 cover feature ports Port in western Mexico; and the multimodal platform in Querétaro in the central region. The government in Puebla, a state also in the 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 In an interview, Jorge A. Acevedo, the executive director of the Guanajuato Interior Port, said there are plans to develop some of these ports on thousands of hectares in the states of Jalisco, Hidalgo, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, Puebla and Nuevo León. Throughout centuries, ports have still remained focal points of the world s development. n corn loading into a ship at Topolobampo port. 02 aerial view from a part of Progreso port. 02

38 38 Negocios infographic oldemar S O N O R A B A J A C A L I F O R N I A Punta Colonet Guaymas Loreto Topolobampo B A J A C A L I F O R N I A S U R SEA OF CORTES S I N A L O A PACIFIC OCEAN Mazatlán Puerto Cortés Pichilingue Cabo San Lucas Puerto Vallarta Source: Ministry of Communication and Transport (SCT)

39 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 It will be used for the development of 12 ports GULF OF MEXICO J A L I S C O Lázaro Cárdenas Zihuatanejo M I C H O A C Á N Manzanillo G U E R R E R O

40 40 Negocios infographic oldemar Negocios figures International Mexican merchandise to US trade by mode of transportation Millions of USD Total trade 340, , ,824 Exports 166, , ,875 Imports 174, , ,949 Air 27,752 26,138 33,117 10,018 7,935 10,285 17,734 18,203 22,832 Water 53,304 92, ,391 27,775 47,236 68,130 25,529 45,427 64,261 Road 209, , , , , , , , ,039 Rail 31,332 31,315 44,325 21,737 18,210 27,005 9,595 13,105 17,320 Mexican transportation infrastructure: System extent and facilities Length in kilometers Road 323, , ,075 Paved 108, , ,173 Major road system 101, , ,061 Less than four lanes 91, , ,445 Four or more lanes 10,213 11,231 11,616 Pipeline 16,420 25,475 26,275 Gas 7,516 16,328 16,843 Oil 8,904 9,147 9,432 Rail 26,655 26,662 26,677 NUMBER OF FACILITIES 1,215 1, Airports Ports and facilities The Merchandise Logistics Mexican Merchandise Traded With Canada and the United States by Mode of Transportation Millions of USD Trade with Canada Total trade 7,357 10,404 14,448 Air ,166 Water transport 967 1,473 1,845 Road 2,868 5,090 7,805 Rail 2,200 2,475 2,898 Exports 3,340 4,234 6,491 Air Water transport Road 970 1,819 3,475 Rail 1,743 1,054 1,316 Imports 4,017 6,169 7,957 Air Water transport Road 1,898 3,271 4,330 Rail 456 1,422 1,582 Trade with the United States Total 274, , ,606 Air 14,756 7,851 9,008 Water transport 23,610 38,491 49,785 Road 193, , ,676 Rail 28,456 27,955 40,544 Exports 147, , ,133 Air 6,901 3,789 4,241 Water transport 16,993 29,350 38,125 Road 102, , ,376 Rail 19,895 16,960 25,606 Imports 127, , ,473 Air 7,855 4,062 4,767 Water transport 6,617 9,141 11,660 Road 90,249 79,369 91,300 Rail 8,561 10,996 14,938 Mexican Transportation by the numbers Vehicles/Equipment Air 6,476 7,172 7,572 Commercial aircraft 1,173 1,406 1,646 General aviation 5,303 5,766 5,926 Road (Commercial freight vehicles) 4,939,417 6,980,738 7,870,417 Rail (Freight cars) 34,764 36,452 32,762 Water transport 2,200 2,348 2,387 Source: North American Transportation Statistics Database

41 The lifestyle T h e C o m p l et e G u i d e of t h e M ex i c a n Way of L i fe. Holbox Teasure Island p. 60 Photo Courtesy of Javier Marín Interview javier marín Art in Motion 5p. 42

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.

43 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 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 44 Negocios i The Lifestyle photo Courtesy of javier marín 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 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. 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. Shortly thereafter, he received an offer from Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, various foreign galleries showed interest in representing him abroad. 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

45 interview Javier marín

46 46 Negocios i The Lifestyle photo Courtesy of javier marín

47 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 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 selftaught 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 selfdistinctive 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 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

49 design gonzalo tassier

50 50 Negocios i The Lifestyle photos courtesy of gonzalo tassier 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 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

51 Distrito Capital, a new classic from Grupo Habita The Lifestyle briefs 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 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 Photos courtesy of distrito capital by adrien dirand

52 52 Negocios i The Lifestyle photos courtesy of franz mayer museum/sector reforma/taschen books exhibition Ceramic, useful art Ceramics can be anything from a container for salsas to a sophisticated white dress. Examples of this work will be exhibited at the 4th Biennial of Utilitarian Ceramics, which continues until June 7th 2009, at the Franz Mayer Museum in Mexico City. Visitors will be able to find containers for the kitchen, garments to wear, jigsaw puzzles and even pieces of architecture. art Ulf Rollof, Axolotl Project READING MATERIAL Purely Mexican Style Vibrant colors, patterns, textures and ideas can be found in this guide that features the best of Mexican interior design for homes. The authors of Mexico Style j o u r n e y e d 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. Mexico Style Edited by Angelika Taschen Photos by René and Bárbara Stoeltie Translated to Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. In 1986, Swedish artist Ulf Rollof spent a season 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 connections between axolotls and the mysteries of the human body. That s how Project Axolotl 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 display 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, The gathering is looking to become an international cultural platform, according to its official Web site. The HOT ART Fair gathers emerging artists from all disciplines of contemporary art. In 2009, three Mexican galleries will have a secured exhibition space: Nina Menocal, Terreno Baldio Arte and Taeger & Pinto.

53 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 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 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. The Lifestyle briefs Photo courtesy of culiacán government lodging Romantic and Tasty Photo courtesy of rosas & xocolate Design hotels Its name brings to mind two of the most popular gifts associated with love: roses and chocolate. Rosas & Xocolate is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Mérida, in an area where the Mayan civilization discovered cocoa and offered it to its gods. The colonial homes where it is located were restored by the architect/design team of Salvador Reyes Ríos and Josefina Larrain. The work of this talented duo resulted in an elegant and rustic hotel that was a combination 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 enjoy a view of the stars while enjoying a relaxing bath. This place was created for those who take romance very seriously a street, Mérida, Yucatán.

54 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 ( 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

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56 56 Negocios i The Lifestyle photos archive

57 report mexican commerce company 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. 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 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 The adventure began, Hernández asserts. Not everything has been a success. 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 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 important 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, entertainment. 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 industry 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 Internet use, ranking 13th on the list. 1.8% of worldwide users are Mexico based. Source: Machines Number of devices in Mexico that can access the Internet, 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.

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60 60 Negocios i The Lifestyle photo courtesy of holbox island

61 destination 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 travelers 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 abundance 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 comforts and a rustic atmosphere. The streets are made of sand and there are no automobiles, except for golf carts that sometimes serve as taxis. Visitors mix with the fewer than 1,500 residents at the tiny plaza, enjoying the simple 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 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 activities. These include: snorkeling in Cabo Catoche; 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 beautiful Yalahau Lagoon, which separates Holbox 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 options at good prices. From places to camp to

62 62 Negocios i The Lifestyle 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 luxurious boutique hotels, there are alternatives for all budgets, although hotels of medium range offer the best option for quality and price. To camp Holbox Golden Paradise y [email protected] Casa Maya de José Lima y [email protected] Both places offer space along the sea to pitch tents, at a cost of about 10 usd per person per night. Posada Los Arcos [email protected] Located in front of the plaza, this hotel offers rooms with fans or air conditioning. From 30 to 40 usd per night. Hotelito Casa las Tortugas [email protected] 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 [email protected] / This is an eco-resort that has pleasant bungalows with an exclusive view of the beach and an excellent restaurant. Casa Sandra [email protected] 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. 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 restaurant, located in front of the plaza, it s customary to try the lobster pizza. Pelícanos A menu with an Italian accent and a bohemian 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, international cuisine and occasional live entertainment. Zarabanda It is an institution. A place where fresh seafood, the hallmark of the island s gastronomy, must be enjoyed. n

63 destination holbox island

64 64 Negocios i The Lifestyle Holbox How to get there... Valladolid The trip lasts 2.5 hours and also costs less than 5 USD. MEX 295 Tizimin 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 and lasts around 35 minutes. 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. Y U C A T Á N When traveling to Chiquila by car, it s best to park in town. Parking costs about 2.30 USD per day. San Ángel Holbox P U N T A M O S Q U I T O YA L A H A O L A G O O N Chiquila MEX 295 MEX 180 2h MEX 180D Q U I N T A N A R O O Playa del Carmen El Cedral Airlines flying to and from Cancún Kuntunilkín Leona Vicario MEX 180 Cancún three buses leave daily (two from the Mayab line and one from Noreste) to the MEXtownof Chiquila. Tickets 307 cost less than 5 USD and the trip lasts around 3.5 hours C A R I B B E A N S E A Isla Cozumel 3h Investing in Holbox In spite of its rapid growth, Holbox offers opportunities to buy land. Two of the agencies with a long history of promoting land sales on the island are: Playacar Beach Properties (Damero Street and Tiburón Ballena, in front of the main square.) Ricardo Barraza & Asociados (Cancún-based) infographic oldemar Air Canada 52 (998) (998) AirTran Airways Alaska Airlines (52-55) (Reservations) (Customer Care) American Airlines (998) (998) Airport: (998) (01 800) Mexicana Airlines (998) (998) (Airport office) Northwest Airlines (998) (998) Spirit Airlines (998) Sun Country Airlines (TTY) Continental Airlines (998) (998) (998) (Luggage) Delta Airlines 01 (800) (MEX) (USA) Frontier Airlines Jet Blue Airways (from USA) (from MEX) United Airlines 01 (800) (from MEX) (from USA) USA US Airways (998) (998) Viva Aerobus (81) (from MEX) (from USA)