About mexico city

• Introduction
• A Global Center for World-Class Business Meetings
• Key Economic Facts and Figures
• World Chambers Congress 2011

Mexico City is the political, business and financial capital of one of the world's most important emerging market economies. It enjoys a strategic location in the heart of the Americas, as a economic gateway between the United States and Latin America. Companies in Mexico City can take advantage of 18 free trade agreements Mexico has signed with 44 different countries.

If measured as a national economy, Mexico City alone would rank as the 4th largest economy in Latin America – behind Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

Mexico City has not been immune to the current global recession. But despite the economic crisis, it has continued to attract domestic and foreign investment. Historically, Mexico City accounts for more than 50 percent of total foreign investment flows into Mexico. During the first half of 2009, Mexico City attracted $9.9 billion in new foreign investment flows, an increase of 4.5 percent over the same period in 2008.

Mexico City's educated, professional workforce is helping transform Mexico City from a service-based economy to one where knowledge-based activities will be the driver of future economic growth. Already, Mexico City accounts for 80 percent of the total research and development activities in the country and hosts 580 universities and the country's most important science and technology institutions.

A Business Travel Destination

Mexico City is the leading business travel and tourism destination in the country, welcoming 12 million visitors each year. The city offers 5-star hotels, world-class meeting and convention facilities, renowned art and cultural attractions, and a vast array of culinary and entertainment experiences for business travelers to enjoy.

Business and Investment Dynamism

Mexico City has a large, educated middle-class population that supports a diverse economic base. The city is the leading center for the most important media in the Spanish-speaking world and is emerging as a world-class center for research and innovation in healthcare and information and environmental technologies, producing one-third of all patents in Mexico.

Additionally, Mexico City is currently implementing major infrastructure and public works programs to ensure sustainable economic growth.

Investment-friendly Legal Framework

Mexico City continues to attract domestic and foreign direct investment from investors worldwide, and historically Mexico City receives more than half of the total foreign direct investment that flows into Mexico.

Mexico City has an investment-friendly legal framework that promotes public-private partnership investment projects in areas that were previously reserved for the public sector, such as water and waste management, transportation, health services and road infrastructure.

In the past two years, the city has generated 54 pesos in direct investment for every peso offered to investors in the form of financial incentives.

Moving to a Knowledge-Based Economy

Mexico City has taken the steps to shift from an economy based on service and manufacturing to one that is driven by technology and knowledge-based activities. It is emerging as a world-class center for research, development and innovation. The city is home to 400 public and private universities and academic institutions and the country's most important business, science and technology institutions.

Mexico City has created the Institute for Science & Technology as an agency responsible for developing links with universities and strengthening research and development projects both with academia and the private sector.

• Introduction
• A Global Center for World-Class Business Meetings
• Key Economic Facts and Figures
• World Chambers Congress 2011

A Global Center for World-Class Business Meetings

As Mexico City’s economic and business capital, Mexico City attracts hundreds of conventions, meetings and trade exhibits from around the world. It is a vibrant mix of ancient attractions and modern conveniences with amazing business venues and attractions for off-site activities. There is a wealth of cuisine, cultural and shopping diversions. Business and meeting planners can also use the city’s rich cultural heritage as a back-drop for special events and activities. Historic venues such as the Palacio de las Bellas Artes, the Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles) or the Museo Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso all welcome business groups.

When it comes times for business, Mexico City offers state-of-the-art  convention facilities ideal for large and medium scale meetings, trade shows, corporate gatherings and diplomatic events. Some of the largest include:

• Expo Bancomer Santa Fe (441,000 sq. ft.) – Located in the emerging Santa Fe business and financial center, it has high-speed internet, press rooms, technical galleries, onsite restaurants and banking services.
• Centro Banamex (413,000 sq. ft.) – Features 25 convention halls, 4 column-free multipurpose halls, meetings rooms, onsite restaurant and business center, full A/V equipment and wireless internet.

  Centro Banamex

  Centro Banamex has created an alliance with six of the most important 5-star hotels in Mexico City to offer an integrated service for planning and hosting international meetings, conventions and trade exhibitions. The Mexico Congress City (MCC) alliance includes the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel & Towers, Camino Real Hotel, Presidente Intercontinental Mexico, Hotel Nikko Mexico, Hilton Mexico City Reforma and Meliá México Reforma. AeroMexico is also a MCC partner. MCC offers a “one-stop shop” for meeting and conventions planning for venues, accommodations, connectivity, transportation, marketing and social program logistics. For more information, please visit www.mexicocongresscity.com

• ICC International Conference Center (280,076 sq. ft.) – Features 40 meeting rooms, executive VIP rooms, auditorium, full A/V equipment and wireless internet.
• The World Trade Center, Mexico City (269,000 sq. ft.) – Features 23 meeting rooms, full A/V equipment and wireless internet, design support.

  World Trade Center Mexico City

  Designed with a unique combination of characteristics, World Trade Center Mexico City is one of the most important meeting venues in Mexico. Located in the heart of the capital city, just 30 minutes from the Mexico City’s International Airport and near important commercial, financial, cultural and entertainment centers, World Trade Center Mexico City annually hosts 4 million visitors attending 120 exhibitions and more than 900 meetings.

  The International Exhibition and Convention Center WTC Mexico City helps more than 20,000 companies create business opportunities, host exhibitions, conventions, congresses, conferences, luncheons and social events, in a setting characterized by the highest quality standards, latest technology, and warm hospitality and service. Hosting corporate and business meetings for 14 years, there are 23 multi-purpose rooms available for hosting meetings from 5 people to 10,000.

  Certain international congresses, conventions, fairs and exhibitions held at the International Exhibition and Convention Center World Trade Center Mexico City may qualify for the sales tax exemption offered by the Mexican government. Not all the venues in Mexico are affiliated with this program.

  The International Exhibition and Convention Center WTC Mexico City also has an environmental program  in order to organize conventions, congresses, exhibitions and other events with minimum environmental impact. The Center’s program includes an efficient use of water and electricity; control of atmospheric emissions; integrated waste management; recycle and reuse of waste; and use of environmentally-friendly products.

  The International Exhibition and Convention Center WTC Mexico City is a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

  For more information, if you are calling from the United States or internationally, please dial: 011–52–55–9000–9117, or visit: www.exposwtc.com

• Expo Reforma (92,000 sq. ft) – Situated in the heart of Mexico City, it has ten levels for exhibitions and assembly rooms for meetings.
• Auditorio Nacional (75,000 sq. ft. of function space) – One of Mexico City’s premier concert halls accomodating 10,000 spectators, with full A/V equipment support. Located in beautiful Chapultepec Park near the Polanco hotel and nightlife zone.
• Hilton Mexico City Reforma (50,000 sq. ft.) – Located in the Centro Historico area, with eight meeting rooms, videoconferencing services, full catering and A/V equipment services.

Mexico City has more than 46,000 4-Star and 5-Star hotel rooms. Several of the city’s upscale hotel properties also have meeting and convention facilities, including the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel, the Hotel Nikko Mexico, W Mexico City, St. Regis Mexico City, the Camino Real Polanco Mexico, the JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City, Marquis Reforma Hotel & Spa, the Four Seasons Mexico D.F., Melia Mexico Reforma and the Fiesta Americana Grand Chapultepec. Many of these properties are located in the fashionable Polanco neighborhood or along the city’s major boulevard, Reforma.

• Location: Mexico City offers North American travelers fast, non-stop fights from major U.S. business markets. New York, Washington and Chicago are 4 1/2 hour flights; Los Angeles, Miami and Atlanta are about three hours away; Houston, Dallas and Phoenix are only two hours by air. Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport is served by major U.S. carriers, including American, Continental, Delta, United and USAirways.
• Weather: Mexico City enjoys a moderate, year-round climate, with average temperature of 59º. Daytime temperature highs range from the low 70ºs in December to the low 90ºs in May. This means events can be held outdoors in any month of the year.
• Incentives: There is no Value Added Tax (VAT) for international meetings held in Mexico City, offering cost savings over other foreign destinations. Business visas are not required for U.S. citizens. Customs regulations and procedures are similar to that of the United States. Mexico City’s many Destination Management Companies (DMC) can navigate local business customs, laws and regulations, coordinate commercial imports for trade shows, and organize productive and enjoyable meetings and conventions.

For more information, please contact the Mexico City Office of Congresses & Conventions, Carlos G. Mackinlay, executive director, at 55.36.85.22.69 or carlosmg@ccmexico.com.mx

• Introduction
• A Global Center for World-Class Business Meetings
• Key Economic Facts and Figures
• World Chambers Congress 2011

Key Economic Facts and Figures

Mexico City’s economic profile is changing:

• In 1980, manufacturing accounted for 51% of Mexico City’s GDP, while services accounted for 23%.
• In 2003, services accounted for 51% of Mexico City’s GDP, while manufacturing accounted for 23%.
• Today, the city’s leadership is promoting knowledge-based development in economic sectors such as financial services, education, healthcare, scientific research and governance/public administration. Mexico City offers a variety of incentives to foreign investors including private-public partnerships, high-quality infrastructure and services, tax incentives for property, real estate purchasing and payrolls, and availability of science and technology parks.

Mexico City already has a strong foundation to build Latin America’s premier knowledge-based economy over the next decade:

• Introduction
• A Global Center for World-Class Business Meetings
• Key Economic Facts and Figures
• World Chambers Congress 2011

World Chambers Congress 2011

Mexico City will host the 7th World Chambers Congress meeting on June 6-10, 2011. The event is sponsored by the World Chambers Federation, established by the International Chambers of Commerce in 1951 to be the advocate of chambers of commerce members worldwide. The Congress enables chamber organizations around the world to better coordinate to improve business activity. Mexico City’s National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CANACO) represents the international chamber locally.

The World Chambers Congress attracts first-class speakers from around the world who discuss strategies for improving economic growth and business development in the world. The meeting offers many opportunities for networking and business interaction that in turn supports economic growth and viability.

The World Chambers Federation chose Mexico City as the location of its high-profile international meeting because the capital is one of the largest business centers in the world and provides an advantageous commercial environment, representing an emerging market poised for growth.

Mexico City’s geographic location in the heart of the Americas, strategic free trade agreements with North America and Europe, abundant natural resources and professional workforce make Mexico City a booming economic center fit to hold a meeting of this magnitude.

In addition, Mexico City has excellent facilities and experience to host a large-scale event that attracts important business leaders worldwide. The World Chambers Congress will be held in the Banamex Convention Center, the largest and most modern meeting venue in Latin America. The Banamex can fit up to 50,000 people each day and is conveniently located near the heart of the city and close to Mexico City’s international airport.

As a business destination, Mexico City has the state of the art infrastructure that business travelers have come to expect. Mexico City boasts over 600 hotels and almost 50,000 hotel rooms, world-class restaurants and cultural and historic sites. Mexico City’s airport welcomes more than 32 million passengers each year, with over 600 national and international flights each day.