Feria Anual Tradicional del Sarape
The sarape is an iconic piece of clothing in Mexico, sold in large numbers each year during this popular trade fair. read more
Knowledge city
The term "Knowledge City" is short hand for a regional economy driven by high value-added manufacturing and services created through research, technology and human capital.
Knowledge City:
Banking & Financial Services
“Mexico is a great investment opportunity for both domestic and foreign capital. I think Mexico City is and will remain of the most attractive cities for investment.”
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Ignacio Deschamps González, CEO, BBVA Bancomer. |
Mexico City is the center of financial and commercial activity in Mexico and home to Latin America’s second largest stock exchange. With almost 20 million residents and a GDP similar to that of London and Osaka, Mexico City presents a myriad of market opportunities for a several types of businesses, including banks, financial institutions and insurance companies. In addition, Mexico City’s strategic location in the center of Mexico helps banks strengthen their market in Latin America and has been important in contributing to the capital’s increasingly competitive position in the banking and financial sector.
Facts and Figures:
- In 2008, 55% of Mexico’s financial sector GDP was generated in Mexico City.
- With a AAA debt rating, Mexico City’s public finances are healthy and are supporting an engine of economic development and investment.
- Mexico City has learned from previous banking crises and developed a legal framework; capitalization and financial information disclosure regulations that even surpass the Basel III Standard, an international regulatory framework for banks.
- Mexico City is taking steps to reduce its informal economy, or “black market,” (estimated in 2010 to include 30% of the city’s 8 million employed citizens) by promoting liberalized labor policies, creation of small enterprises, and tax incentives.
Focus on Banking & Financial Services:
BBVA Bancomer is Mexico’s largest bank and is based in Mexico City. Serving 16 million customers, Bancomer has a reputation for tailoring their services to client needs. They offer credit that is accessible and easy to deal with for a wide variety of business sectors and they provide experienced management of investment portfolios. Ignacio Deschamps Gonzalez, the CEO of Bancomer believes that Mexico City is poised to grow competitively and “in the financial market, the banking sector is going to grow enormously.”
other focus areas:
Education
“Education should be at the heart of public policy, for it is through education that social issues can really be addressed.” — Mayor Marcelo Ebrard. Education is the foundation of a knowledge-based economy. A comprehensive education builds the skills, values and knowledge that will drive creativity and innovation in every… read more
Healthcare
“In Mexico City, there is a pro bono law which ensures that anyone living here who doesn’t receive social security benefits can get free medical check-ups, medicines, analysis, scans, hospitalization and surgery, all without any cost…The backbone of the city government’s health program is preventative action.” — Dr. Armando Ahued,… read more
Human Capital
“Mexico City’s government is committed to transforming the city into a highly competitive marketplace that stands among the best in the world.” — Mayor Marcelo Ebrard. The third largest city in the world in terms of population, Mexico City has more than a large labor force; it has a knowledgeable… read more
Information Technologies & Telecommunications
“This city really demands solutions up front and it generates them, too. Microsoft Mexico has developed successful strategies that have then been implemented in other countries.” — Enrique Simón Rueda, Sales OEM Manager, Microsoft Latin America. Mexico City is continuing to invest in its telecommunications infrastructure so businesses and individuals… read more
Science & Technology
“Government funding for research at the universities that are generating new knowledge, when passed off to the companies, will result in processes that positively impact society and the economy.” — Dr. Juan Pedro Laclette, Senior Researcher, Institute of Biomedical Research, UNAM. Mexico City is poised to emerge as a major… read more
Social Freedoms
“Mexico City’s civil society has a mature citizenship card. The dynamics of freedom and the force of public opinion are on the side of civil society...” — Rogelio Gómez Hermosillo, World Bank consultant and Chairman, Alianza Cívica. Mexico City has a long tradition of respecting political liberties and freedoms. Freedom… read more
Sustainability
“We are cleaning up our city and we want to project it. We want to convey the image of a green city that is committed to sustainability.” — Martha Delgado, Secretary, Department of the Environment, Mexico City. As in any megacity, Mexico City faces a variety of environmental challenges. Urban… read more
Voices from the city:
The Musician
Camilo Lara, a music director in Mexico City, has a "deep love for the city." Like many artists from Mexico City, he draws his inspiration from his urban surroundings. watch video
December 03 – December 14, 2012
December 10, 2012
Palacio de los Deportes
Bruce Springsteen in Mexico City
The Wrecking Ball tour comes to a close in Mexico City. read more
December 12, 2012
Dia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe
Millions of pilgrims come to honor Mexico’s religious patron each year, for the culmination of ten days of celebrations in Mexico City. read more
December 15 – December 19, 2012
Alcoman
Feria de la Piñata
Certainly one of the area’s most colorful events, Feria de la Piñata features all kinds of piñatas to purchase and admire. read more
December 15 – December 24, 2012
Latin American Festival of Pastorelas
Mexico City’s festivities in the lead up to Christmas includes this parade, whose many characters tell the story of the nativity. read more
December 16 – December 24, 2012
Feria de la Nochebuena y Articulos Navidenos
Pick up last-minute gifts and holiday decorations at the Feria de la Nochebuena, held through late December. read more
Surprising Fact
Mexico's National Archive in Mexico City, operating since 1982, is the most important repository of historical documents in Latin America. The archive is being digitized to share the collection worldwide.
Overheard
In Mexico, a dollar goes a long way. Cough up $20 and you'll be thoroughly entertained, by anything from a professional wrestling match to a night of dancing to Latin music. And many of these options will steer you clear of the ready-made foreigner-friendly Mexico, while you save money and live it up with the locals.
— Associated Press