Javier Cendejas Meneses, the president of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment, and Technology of the Northeast (Comce Noreste), has highlighted that insufficient investment in energy generation and distribution is harming the reliability that new companies seek when considering establishing operations in Mexico. As companies pivot towards nearshoring, the challenges in ensuring a stable energy supply are becoming increasingly critical. With 91% of businesses reporting difficulties in securing a reliable electricity supply in industrial parks and 40% facing issues with natural gas availability, this situation poses a significant threat to Mexico's competitiveness and its ability to attract foreign investment.

Furthermore, Cendejas emphasized the broader challenges Mexico faces regarding administrative processes and trade facilitation. The country's current ranking of 46 out of 141 economies in terms of administrative wait times underscores the inefficiencies that slow down business operations. The slow bureaucratic processes, coupled with insufficient energy resources, create an uninviting environment for potential investors looking for more streamlined operations.

To counter these challenges, there is a pressing need for Mexico to adopt more agile, digital, and efficient systems that lower operational costs and reduce waiting times for businesses. Addressing these issues not only involves enhancing energy infrastructure but also reforming trade administrative procedures to make it easier for companies to navigate their establishment in the country. Without these critical investments and reforms, Mexico risks losing its competitiveness in the global market, especially in the context of rising nearshoring initiatives.