JUAREZ CRIME DECLINES, ECONOMY AND MANUFACTURING IN MEXICO IMPROVING
After years of violent crime and instability, Juarez, Mexico is at last beginning to enjoy the return of peaceful times. Last year, 2012, was a turning point for Juarez.
The economy is reviving, residents are feeling safe, and businesses and investors would be wise to consider opening operations in Juarez. Manufacturing in Mexico is bustling and promises to thrive for years to come, and Juarez is ideal for its central location, inexpensive real estate and highly trained labor force.
The city of Juarez has gained negative attention worldwide for its violence and drug cartel activity. Juarez has become infamous as the murder capital of the world, amid harrowing tales of turf wars between drug cartels. This notoriety has prompted law enforcement and civic organizations to cooperate and produce real change.
Maquiladora manufacturing plants account for 60% of the jobs in Juarez, and commerce between Juarez and El Paso, Texas has historically worked in productive partnership. Today, Mexico's economy is recovering very well, and businesses, particularly manufacturing companies, are once again looking to Juarez for a low-cost manufacturing solution. Companies that had shuttered are returning, and new companies are much more willing to consider Juarez than was true a few years ago.
Manufacturing in Mexico today, including Juarez, is safe, credible and growing. The population is young and well educated, with an average age of 27. In fact, Juarez has the highest literacy of any city in Mexico.
After years of avoiding the streets, except when necessary, locals now celebrate a return to normalcy. The army and federal agents withdrew at the close of 2011, and these days, Juarez boasts several new high schools and sports facilities, as well as a myriad of new restaurants, stores, and nightclubs.
Of course, problems have not all ceased, and residents are still healing from the long period of fear and uncertainty. Nevertheless, the strong economy and undeniable positive signs in community life deserve much praise and provide real hope. Data indicate that incidences of homicide, kidnapping, theft, and other crimes have all drastically declined in the past year. President Calderon continues to earmark funds to sustain crackdowns on the warfare between the cartels. Hundreds of arrests have been made, and the local police force has made noticeable efforts to weed out and punish corruption among its ranks.
Juarez is one of the premier locations for manufacturing in Mexico. Like Tijuana, its proximity to the United States enables businesses to avoid long transit times between production and distribution, and Juarez’s central location is second to none. The environment is ripe for new businesses and investors to operate in Juarez and contribute to its flourishing economy.
Megan Richford
Executive Marketing Asissitant
megan.richford@napsmexico.com
Phone: 858-794-7947
Toll free: 800-551-8581
About NAPS
With over 20 years of experience doing business in Mexico, NAPS can provide expert commentary on trends and changes in the industry. NAPS offers administrative support services for companies manufacturing in Mexico. Administrative services include: Site Selection, HR, Recruitment, Accounting, Payroll, Customs, Environmental and Corporate Compliance. For more information contact NAPS at 858.794-7947 or visit our website.
Tags: