What is the National Infrastructure Program?

In July 2007, President Felipe Calderon launched the National Infrastructure Program (NIP) a five-year program to increase the coverage, quality, and competitiveness of Mexico’s infrastructure. The NIP identifies over 300 infrastructure projects in multiple sectors representing over $141 billion to be financed using public-private partnerships, with significant Mexican public sector investment.

These infrastructure projects represent contractor/subcontractor/supplier opportunities for U.S. companies in multiple sectors including energy, environment, transportation, telecommunications, security and tourism.

34 Key Projects of the National Infrastructure Program

To assist U.S. companies in identifying and securing infrastructure market opportunities, the U.S. Commercial Service – Mexico, prepared a series of periodical reports to provide reliable and accurate information to U.S. exporters interested in doing business in Mexico. These reports highlight key projects that represent significant opportunities for U.S. companies. These first three reports were prepared in conjunction with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and are based on information gathered for the February 2008 U.S. and Mexico: Building Partnerships in Infrastructure Conference. It covers 34 projects on the environmental, transportation and energy sectors:

Environmental Sector Overview

The NIP aims to increase wastewater treatment to at least 60 percent of water collected. Over 50 projects nearly all starting by 2008 at the latest, will require over US$14 billion in investment to accomplish the goals set forth. It is projected that thirty percent of the investment for improving water sanitation will be concentrated in the Valley of Mexico in the center of the country. In addition to water and wastewater, these projects will also address managing storm water drainage in the Valley of Mexico. The water and wastewater equipment and services market in Mexico is expected to significantly grow to meet the goals of the NIP. The water and wastewater treatment equipment and services market presents very good opportunities for U.S. suppliers. Companies should be aware that any technology above or equal to advanced primary treatment should comply with Mexican discharge standards.  To request full text please contact us.

Energy Sector Overview

The largest investment in Mexico’s NIP will be to further develop Mexico’s capacity for oil and gas production. As a major source of revenue to the Mexican government, Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), the state owned petroleum producer, expects to invest in exploration, refining, and production (basic petrochemicals, gas, and more complex petrochemicals). More than US$76 billion is earmarked for these projects and over half of the projects have planned start dates between 2008 and 2011.  To request full text please contact us.

Transportation and Ports Sector Overview

Mexico’s NIP envisages a sharp increase in public and private investment in transportation infrastructure. Targets include: the modernization or construction of almost 20,000 km of highways and rural roads; improved highway maintenance to bring the percentage of roads considered to be in line with international standards from 72 percent to 90 percent; the expansion of the railway system by almost 1,500 km; development of suburban railway projects, in particular near Mexico City; expansions of Pacific and Gulf Coast ports, including Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Punta Colonet, Veracruz and Tuxpan; and the construction of at least three new airports and expansion of existing airports.   To request the full text please contact us.  

Port Projects: A New Port in Punta Colonet 

The Embassy's Commercial Service has been working closely with U.S. and Mexican industry to develop transactions as part of Mexico's ambitious National Infrastructure Program. Mexico's recent announcement of a mega-port project in Punta Colonet, Baja California, is a major step forward in Mexico's efforts to strengthen infrastructure and presents major opportunities for U.S. and Mexican firms to do business together. Click here to read our market research on the project and how our Embassy support U.S.-Mexican business development.

Upcoming Webinar on November 20th from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Central Time

"Mexico's Port Development: Upcoming Business Opportunities"

U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico City is hosting a webinar  on November 20th from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Central Time to discuss a number of the upcoming port projects, as well as highlight how U.S. companies can take advantage of these opportunities.  

During this event, you will hear presentations from the General Coordinator of Ports of the Mexican Government, the Director of the Mexican Association of Port Terminals and Operators , and from the Commercial Service. Topics covered will include an overview of the Mexican economy with an emphasis on the port sector; information on specific port projects across Mexico, and tips on how to participate in the Mexican government bidding process. 

Opportunities for American primary/subcontractors and suppliers in this sector will be highlighted.  The webinar cost is $40.  Click here to register now!

Links to US Commercial Service Market Research and Project Information

 Please find below links to our industry webpages where you can find extracts of our market research available for each sector:

• Airport & Aviation  
• Building & Construction
• Energy Industry
• Environmental Technologies
• IT and Telecom
• Security and Safety Equipment and Services
• Travel and Tourism
• Transportation

Procurement Practices in Mexico and How to Participate in Government Procurement

Understanding procurement practices in Mexico is very important, and American companies should review our latest Mexican Government Procurement, which has been prepared by the U. S. Commercial Service Mexico.

On an easy to read format, this document briefly describes Mexican government procurement. In addition, it presents a summary of government procurement regulations and steps that interested U.S. bidders need to follow in order to participate in government tenders.  This document also reviews the interface between Mexican government procurement regulations and NAFTA, including, advice for U.S. exporters. Please click here to obtain it.

Subscribe to our Mexico Market Intelligence Reports

Become a Mexico market insider by subscribing to our on-line Mexico Industry Reports.  Reports cover key sectors and best market prospects in Mexico as well as regulatory updates, major projects, trade leads, hot trade opportunities, industry profiles, and trade show information, etc.  Click here to subscribe now!

Contact Us 

To assist U.S. companies in identifying and securing infrastructure market opportunities, the U.S. Commercial Service – Mexico can provide detailed information upon request as well as commercial assessment and support for your new U.S. business plans in Mexico.

Please click here to contact Adrian Orta, Infrastructure Project Coordinator of the US Commercial Service, US Embassy Mexico.