In a challenging economic outlook, investment will play a fundamental role in boosting the economy and the country's well-being. economy and thus the country's well-being. To this end, it is necessary to join efforts and continue to to continue to encourage business in Mexico.

In the first instance, we note that business confidence has increased in the country by 8.1% throughout 2023, according to the INEGI indicator. Within the economic sectors, business confidence in the manufacturing sector grew by 3.8% in the year, positioning it at the highest levels since 2013. the highest levels since 2013. In addition, the indicator that measures the willingness to invest in manufacturing companies of manufacturing companies registered an increase of 10.5%, in this period.

This confidence caused investment levels in Mexico during 2023 to exceed those of 2018. 2018. Specifically, gross fixed investment increased 20.4% from January to October 2023, where investment in machinery and equipment also increased by a figure higher than the 20%. Double-digit growth, even higher than that achieved in the post-Pandemic economic recovery. post-pandemic economic recovery.

These results show the good expectations that industrialists have for the next few months, given the arrival of new investments and the increase in external demand for the the arrival of new investments and the increase in foreign demand for products in Mexico, and particularly in Nuevo Leon. and particularly in Nuevo Leon.

Let us not forget that investment is key to the economic and social development of the country, mainly through the creation of new, formal and high quality jobs. Therefore, it is necessary to We must continue to encourage it in 2024, through the development of local suppliers and the integration of SMEs into value chains. and the integration of SMEs into value chains.

SMEs are key to this expansion, where they should be supported with the necessary tools to increase their competitiveness, such as financing on favorable terms. to increase their competitiveness, such as financing at favorable conditions in terms of costs, capacity building development of capabilities, spaces for business linkages, among others.

Through coordination between the private and public sectors, we can give a greater boost to SMEs, which are the backbone of the Mexican economy. SMEs, which are the pillar of the Mexican economy. And with this, we can continue to build a Mexico that is competitive and attractive for investment. competitive and attractive for investment.

CAINTRA NUEVO LEÓN