The mining giant Rio Tinto and Enami have united their efforts to develop lithium resources strategically.

The world’s second-largest mining group Rio Tinto has taken an important step toward strengthening its global lithium market position by forming a key agreement with Chile’s National Mining Company (Enami). According to the new agreement, Rio Tinto now has permission to start lithium extraction operations at the Salares Altoandinos project in Diego de Almagro commune within Chile’s northern Atacama Region.

Three salt flats named Aguilar, La Isla, and Grande make up this project, which seeks to diversify Chile’s lithium production beyond its existing Salar de Atacama region. The latest announcement signals a new development phase for lithium in Chile through joint public-private partnerships and cutting-edge technological solutions.

Billion-Dollar Investment in Northern Chile

Rio Tinto will make an investment of approximately $3.425 billion to obtain a 51% majority stake under this agreement. The significant investment demonstrates the company’s strong belief in the project’s future success while recognizing Chile’s essential role in worldwide energy change.

Jakob Stausholm announced that the project could evolve into a world-class lithium deposit during the official announcement. Our partnership with Enami shows our commitment to responsible development of a crucial resource that will benefit electric vehicle production and renewable energy storage.

High-Yield Lithium Reserves in a Strategic Region

The Atacama Region in Chile stands out as a lithium giant because of its extensive salt flats laden with lithium brines. The Salares Altoandinos project strengthens strategic positioning through exploration of underdeveloped resources believed to hold high-grade lithium reserves.

Rio Tinto launched its second Chilean project this week. The company finalized an agreement with Chilean state-owned copper giant Codelco to jointly develop a lithium extraction project at Maricunga salt flat, which has the second-highest known lithium concentration in the world. The Maricunga agreement intends to bring advanced technology to Chile, which will enhance its position in the international lithium sector.

Direct Lithium Extraction: A New Technological Standard

The Salares Altoandinos project stands out because it plans to use Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology. DLE technology provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional evaporation ponds, which take years to operate and cause extensive water depletion in dry regions.

The new technology enables the extraction of lithium from brine without the use of massive evaporation ponds, which leads to a substantial reduction in environmental impact. The DLE process achieves higher lithium extraction efficiency from existing brine resources. The adoption of this method represents an essential move toward sustainable lithium in Chile, especially in environmentally delicate regions such as the Atacama Desert.

Strategic Importance of Lithium in Chile

As renewable energy systems and electric vehicles expand globally, Chilean lithium production stands at the center of national and international policy discussions. The second-largest lithium reserves in the world belong to Chile, which produces less lithium than Australia. Lithium-ion battery production depends on the metal to power electric vehicles as well as smartphones, laptops, and other portable electronic devices.

The government of Chile is working towards diversifying lithium extraction operations beyond the Salar de Atacama and boosting public sector involvement. Enami’s collaboration with Rio Tinto embodies their new strategic direction by focusing on sustainable practices and technological integration while expanding mining operations across multiple geographic regions.

Government Support and Policy Framework

The Chilean government unveiled a National Lithium Strategy that aims to achieve environmental protection, along with economic competitiveness and social responsibility. The government’s strategy to explore and develop lithium resources requires expanding the role of state-owned enterprises such as Codelco and Enami.

The partnership between Rio Tinto and Enami matches the strategic goals of the national program. Officials from Chile’s Ministry of Mining have recognized this project as a driver for local job creation and regional infrastructure development while introducing advanced technologies to a key national industry.

The Chilean government works to promote economic growth while making sure indigenous communities and local stakeholders gain from mining activities. The project’s early-phase implementation will include environmental impact assessments and community consultations as essential steps.

Timeline and Production Expectations

The Salares Altoandinos initiative plans to start operations in 2030 and aims to produce 75,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent annually. The project will greatly increase Chile’s lithium production capacity while strengthening the country’s standing in the expanding global market.

Rio Tinto plans to start initial exploration activities and environmental studies by 2025, while pilot testing of DLE technology is expected to start in 2026. The project has the potential to become a template for other lithium initiatives throughout Latin America, if it proves successful.

Global Expansion of Rio Tinto’s Lithium Portfolio

Rio Tinto has previously entered the lithium mining sector before this venture. The firm operates lithium development projects in Argentina and Serbia, while the Jadar project in Serbia represents one of Europe’s largest discovered lithium deposits. Rio Tinto advances toward becoming a major force in the global lithium supply chain by acquiring operations in Chile.

The company chose to grow its operations in Chile because of the nation’s superior natural resources and rising global demand for dependable, sustainable critical mineral sources. The worldwide competition for lithium access will lead to more partnerships similar to this one becoming more prevalent.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Lithium in Chile

The collaboration of Rio Tinto with Enami marks a pivotal moment for lithium in Chile. The country stands ready to extend its leadership position in global lithium production due to large financial investments and government support, along with advanced technology.

The project represents a new age of collaboration between global mining enterprises and Chile’s state agencies to responsibly harness the value of the nation’s abundant natural resources alongside global sustainability targets.

Foreign investors and manufacturers now view Ecuador as a leading destination for business opportunities in South American markets. Industrial parks in Ecuador have developed due to its Pacific coast location and Andean Community membership, as well as multiple trade agreements and progressive infrastructure advances. The industrial parks in Ecuador provide support for manufacturing operations, along with logistics services and agro-processing facilities, as well as industries focused on exporting goods.

Prominent Industrial Parks and Their Strategic Locations

The most prominent industrial parks located in Ecuador include:

• The Zona Franca ZEDE del Litoral (ZFL) free trade zone in Guayaquil connects directly with the Port of Guayaquil to enable smooth export and import operations. The free trade zone specializes in logistics operations alongside assembly and manufacturing services.
• PIQSA industrial park in the Quito serves companies from high-tech sectors and food processing industries plus packaging firms. The location maintains strong connections with Mariscal Sucre International Airport as well as the Pan-American Highway.
• Parque Industrial Calacalí functions as a business park in the Quito area and houses metalworking, chemical, and plastic industries. The park maintains excellent supply chain connections and draws engineering expertise from nearby universities.
• The Parque Industrial Cuenca in Azuay serves as a major production center for ceramics, textiles, and furniture industries. The industrial park benefits from a cost-effective workforce with specialized skills.
• The Parque Industrial de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas occupies a strategic position between coastal and highland regions, which enables it to serve exporters of agro-industrial products from Quito and Guayaquil.

Industrial parks in Ecuador provide strategic access to Guayaquil and Manta ports as well as main domestic markets in Quito, Cuenca, and Loja, along with neighboring countries Colombia and Peru.

Infrastructure: Transportation, Utilities, and Connectivity

The government of Ecuador has continuously worked to improve its logistics capabilities and energy systems. Industrial zones connect to seaports and airports through the road network, while the Pacific Corridor provides a major highway system that links Ecuador with Colombia and Peru. Container and bulk shipping facilities are available at Guayaquil and Manta ports, which operate alongside international airports in Quito and Guayaquil that handle air cargo.

Industrial parks in Ecuador benefit from:

• Reliable electricity supply with competitive rates (approx. $0.10–$0.13/kWh for industrial users)
• Widespread fiber-optic internet connectivity
• Access to municipal water and wastewater treatment systems
• Some regions have natural gas pipelines, which remain limited but continue to grow
• Local governments or park authorities typically handle utilities, but private companies deliver more efficient services.

Labor Availability, Cost, and Workforce Development

Ecuador features a youthful labor market, which includes 60% of people aged below 35. Industrial worker salaries average between $450 and $600 monthly, which remains below the pay rates found in neighboring Colombia and Chile. Industrial parks in Ecuador benefit from accessible labor markets in Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, and Santo Domingo.

The country’s labor laws require:

• A minimum wage of $460/month (2025)
• Payment of a 13th and 14th salary
• Employees receive 15 days of paid annual leave once they complete their first year of work
• Employers are required to contribute to the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute, known as IESS

Industrial zone labor relations maintain a cooperative atmosphere despite existing union activities, especially in public and legacy sectors. Industrial parks that focus on exports experience only a few labor disputes. Companies access training partnerships via organizations, including SENESCYT and technical institutes.

Incentives, Tax Benefits, and Regulatory Landscape

The Ecuadorian government has established numerous favorable policies to entice foreign and domestic investments.

• Companies operating in special economic zones such as ZEDEs receive income tax exemptions that last up to 12 years.
• Importing raw materials and capital goods into free trade zones faces neither tariffs nor VAT charges.
• Accelerated depreciation of capital goods
• Customs simplification and fast-track export-import clearances

The Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments, and Fisheries (MPCEIP) is the primary regulatory authority. Industrial parks follow Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes, which the Ministry of the Environment and Water streamlines to manage environmental compliance.

The digital registration of companies along with clear tax administration and local government assistance to industrial operations have greatly improved business operations.

Lease Rates, Construction, and Operational Costs

The leasing cost for industrial spaces fluctuates based on regional location and the quality of industrial parks in Ecuador. Average rates are:

• $3.50–$6.00 per m²/month in Guayaquil and Quito
• Industrial space leasing rates in Cuenca and Santo Domingo range from $2.50 to $4.00 per square meter per month
• Build-to-suit construction expenses range between $450 and $650 per square meter based on material choices and design details. The most affordable building options are steel-framed industrial facilities that offer 6-meter space and basic interior finishing.

Operating costs include:

• Security and facility management: $0.50–$1.00 per m²/month
• Waste management and recycling: Approx. $0.05–$0.10 per kg for industrial waste
• Property taxes and local fees: Varies by municipality, generally modest

Industrial park management firms provide bundled services that improve operational efficiency and cost predictability for their tenants.

Logistics and Freight Costs

Ecuador maintains competitive logistics expenses, and Guayaquil handles containerized cargo operations that manage over 70% of the nation’s maritime trade. Key logistics considerations:

• Domestic freight: $0.06–$0.12 per ton/km by truck
• Export freight to U.S. (East Coast): Export freight to the U.S. East Coast averages between $2,200 and $2,800 per 40-foot container based on early 2025 data
• Freight shipping costs to Asian destinations through Pacific ports amount to approximately $3,500 to $4,200 for every 40-foot container

Industrial parks in Ecuador provide on-site or nearby customs processing facilities alongside 3PL providers and major freight corridor connections, resulting in more efficient delivery schedules and lower transportation costs.

Tenant Mix and Cluster Advantages

Ecuador’s industrial parks feature an increasingly varied tenant mix. For instance:

• Logistics operators, including DHL and assembly firms like Italpinas operate within ZEDE del Litoral
• The PIQSA industrial park in Quito serves as a facility for Nestlé and Belcorp, along with multiple pharmaceutical packaging companies
• The industrial park in Cuenca consists of Graiman (ceramics), Continental Tire, and La Fabril (food products)
• The agro-industrial cluster in Santo Domingo hosts palm oil processing facilities alongside dairy export companies

These clusters create synergistic benefits such as:

• Shared labor pools and training programs
• Supplier integration (plastics, packaging, logistics)
• Lower transport costs through consolidated freight operations.

Industrial parks in Ecuador provide substantial support for multinational companies operating in the automotive parts manufacturing, processed foods production, construction materials, and agro-industrial sectors. Park administrators provide support for permitting processes while they recruit talent and handle utility negotiations to build investor trust.

Environmental Regulations and Compliance

Industrial parks in Ecuador operate mainly within areas designated for commercial and industrial use, although protected zones enforce strict environmental regulations. Requirements include:

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for new projects
• Wastewater treatment and emissions control
• Hazardous materials management protocols

Numerous parks have adopted ISO 14001 standards or equivalent certifications to fulfill international sustainability requirements set by worldwide clients.

Conclusion

Investors seeking industrial opportunities in Latin America should consider Ecuador as an attractive option. Industrial parks in Ecuador feature robust infrastructure options combined with affordable labor costs and favorable conditions for investors. The nearness of industrial parks to major ports and airports, combined with better logistics networks and expanding industrial clusters, enables export-driven growth.

Businesses can optimize their operations for regional and worldwide markets by aligning their strategies with Ecuador’s economic development policies and utilizing its strategic industrial zones. The country’s industrial future relies heavily on the industrial parks in Ecuador scattered across Guayaquil’s dynamic free zones, Quito’s innovative tech parks, and Cuenca’s mature manufacturing centers.

Through a joint effort between the Office of the President of the Republic and various national institutions, including the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining (MIEM), the Uruguay Innova (U+I) program received its official launch. The ambitious program targets the acceleration of Uruguay’s national innovation ecosystem and seeks to improve its existing research and innovation system through a strategic long-term approach.

MIEM holds a strong belief that science and technology, alongside innovation, serve as vital instruments to improve productivity and competitiveness while acting as essential forces for sustainable and inclusive national development. These are not isolated objectives. These objectives stand as foundational elements of Uruguay’s overarching development vision, which ensures that technological advancement benefits citizens throughout the nation regardless of location.

A Launch Rooted in Strategic Intent

The Uruguay Innova program formally began its operations at the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay’s Innovation Campus on May 21, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone in the nation’s development agenda, gathering a wide array of public officials, academics, industry leaders, and innovators who share a common goal: transforming Uruguay into a regional innovation hub.

Multiple ministries connected to science and innovation sectors provide strong backing to this presidential initiative. The government’s collaborative approach demonstrates its goal to unify efforts and eliminate fragmentation within the innovation ecosystem.

The Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining serves as an essential component in the function of this process. The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining has established a specialized Innovation Policy Unit headed by Gabriela Schroeder to support its broader mission of advancing innovation policy. The unit ensures coordination among government innovation projects while establishing public-private partnerships and creating systems to turn knowledge into real and fair advances.

Public Investment and Inclusive Development

The present administration at MIEM now champions public-sector-driven innovation promotion as its main strategic approach. The potential for economy-wide multiplier effects exists through strategic public investment funneled through Uruguay’s strong network of state-owned enterprises. This initiative stimulates innovative development throughout public organizations and extends to academic institutions alongside startups and established industries.

The government of Uruguay seeks to enhance competitiveness in the country while modernizing public services and improving life quality through strengthened innovation infrastructure. These innovation policies complement MIEM’s other core goals: The government works to create quality jobs while ensuring balanced development across regions. Uruguay Innova functions as both an innovation policy and a broad framework for economic growth that includes social progress and environmental sustainability while building shared prosperity and national resilience.

Presidential Leadership and Multi-Sectoral Support

President Yamandú Orsi led the launch event, while highlighting strategic coherence as essential for science, technology, and innovation policy. He stated in his address that organizing the existing ecosystem while rationalizing efforts remains the primary goal.

Uruguay needs to develop its innovation strategy by integrating existing programs and research efforts. The South American country needs to develop a national innovation strategy that brings together its strengths to become a leader in smart sustainable development. Uruguay needs to maximize existing achievements while embedding them in a Uruguayan-specific framework, which involves optimizing efforts and aligning objectives and methods, he explained.

The event featured MIEM Deputy Minister Eugenia Villar as well as MIEM’s Head of Innovation Gabriela Schroeder, Ministerial Advisor Rossanna González and Technical Coordinator for Innovation Silvana Ravía among other dignitaries. Their attendance demonstrated the essential cross-ministerial collaboration needed to establish Uruguay Innova as a fundamental element of national policy.

Strategic Pillars of Uruguay Innova

Economist Bruno Gili, the program coordinator, explained its structure at the event. Uruguay Innova is built around four central components: knowledge, innovation, internationalization, and regulatory quality. The program’s four pillars are essential to develop Uruguay’s economic model into one that withstands future challenges and centers on knowledge and innovation.

• Knowledge: The program works to boost national research capabilities through partnerships among universities research institutes and the private sector. The initiative aims to grow the number of researchers and create career development options for young scientists.
• Innovation: This core element extends its support from technological inventions to research commercialization and enterprise digital transformation while enabling new business model development. The program encourages entrepreneurship while supporting emerging technological fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
• Internationalization: Uruguay understands that innovation happens through interconnected systems. The program focuses on joining international research networks and becoming part of global value chains while forming strategic partnerships with innovation centers across Latin America, North America, and Europe.
• Regulatory Quality: Successful innovation depends on supportive legal and institutional frameworks. The component brings necessary updates to Uruguay’s regulatory frameworks, which support innovation while maintaining ethical and social protections.

A New Institutional Architecture

During the launch the establishment of the Secretariat for Science and Knowledge Generation was presented as an important institutional advancement. The newly established body will give advice to the Executive Branch while assisting in the creation of a national framework to produce influential research and strengthen the scientific community.

The Secretariat will establish research platforms that tackle Uruguay’s most urgent issues. Key research areas for the Secretariat include artificial intelligence along with life sciences and sustainable food systems plus national security. The Secretariat plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Culture to align Uruguay’s educational framework with the innovation agenda while preparing young scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

The framework targets national technological and infrastructure demands to make innovation a consistent element of public policy instead of a fleeting project.

Innovation as a National Imperative

The Secretary of the Presidency Alejandro Sánchez confirmed the administration’s position that innovation serves as a key element for fostering equitable development. According to his remarks the Uruguay Innova initiative was described within the campaign platform presented in Colonia. He made it clear that Uruguay needs to enhance its quality of investment and application for innovation throughout different sectors.

Several scientific, business, and policy leaders joined a panel at the event’s conclusion. Álvaro Brunini led ANII as President. Carlos Batthyány directed the Pasteur Institute as its Executive Director alongside Maia Brenner, who managed Flipzen as Executive Manager. Carmen Rossini researched at the University of the Republic’s Faculty of Chemistry as a leading scientist, and Joaquín Morixe served as Vice President of GlobantX. The conversation revealed how private businesses working together with academic research institutions and governmental policies can create a successful innovation-driven economy.

Broad-Based Support and Vision for the Future

Senior officials such as Vice President Carolina Cosse, OPP Director Rodrigo Arim, and Ministers José Carlos Mahía of Education and Culture, Gabriel Oddone of Economy and Finance, and Edgardo Ortuño of Environment attended the launch event. The attendance of high-level officials at the event highlighted a widespread political and institutional agreement on the objectives of Uruguay Innova.

This consensus is vital. The future competitiveness of Uruguay relies on its power to innovate alongside its ability to integrate innovation into the core of its national identity and social agreements. Uruguay Innova functions as a national project that embodies values of inclusion and sustainability while focusing on excellence beyond its status as a government initiative.

Uruguay has established government support for innovation as its top priority and developed essential institutional frameworks to sustain this approach, which positions the country as a frontrunner in the 21st-century knowledge economy. Through its focus on developing new startups and its collaborations with international research bodies, along with technological improvements to public services, Uruguay Innova stands ready to instigate significant transformation in the South American nation.

In the first quarter of 2025, Mexico achieved $21.4 million in foreign direct investment, which exceeded expectations.

Mexico has started 2025 with a strong signal to international markets: The country’s open business environment attracts enthusiastic responses from worldwide investors. Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy, reported that during the first quarter of 2025, a historic record for foreign direct investment in Mexico was achieved, with a total of $21.4 million. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo featured this major success at the People’s Conference as she highlighted her government’s dedication to fostering economic growth and building international partnerships.

The current investment boom provides a significant uplift to Mexico’s economy while demonstrating rising worldwide belief in the nation’s stable environment and growth prospects. This historic record for foreign direct investment in Mexico reflects the confidence of international stakeholders in the nation’s long-term economic trajectory.

Comparing FDI Growth Across Administrations

Secretary Ebrard explicitly compared the current administration to past governments. The peak foreign direct investment during the neoliberal period reached $9.5 million. Since 2018, the Sheinbaum administration has witnessed foreign investment growth totaling $11.9 million.

The structural changes and reforms by the Morena government—which work to boost domestic industry and bring in long-term international capital—explain this growth trend. Mexico’s investment history shows that proper policies, along with stable governance and active interaction with international investors, produce tangible economic growth. The recent historical record for foreign direct investment in Mexico confirms that policy alignment and institutional strength directly influence investor decisions.

Key Companies Driving 2025 Investment

Two weeks into President Sheinbaum’s administration, business leaders from Mexico and the United States attended meetings organized by the government. The meetings produced positive results as various multinational companies announced substantial investments.

Mexico Pacific: $15 Billion

The energy sector leader, Mexico Pacific, has announced its intention to allocate $15 billion toward infrastructure development and liquefied natural gas projects. The initiative aims to boost Mexican energy exports while generating thousands of employment opportunities and strengthening its position in global energy markets.

Royal Caribbean Group: $1.5 Billion

Royal Caribbean Group has pledged $1.5 billion for Quintana Roo to develop cruise and tourism facilities. The investment will attract more tourists to Mexico, which in turn will strengthen local economies while making the country a sought-after location for global travel and leisure investments.

Amazon: $6 Billion

Amazon plans to spend $6 billion to build its warehouse, logistics, and cloud service infrastructure across Mexico as part of its aggressive expansion in Latin America. The investment will enhance Mexico’s digital economy and e-commerce infrastructure, giving local businesses better access to international markets.

Woodside Energy: $10.04 Billion

Woodside Energy from Australia plans to invest more than $10 billion into Mexico’s offshore oil and gas projects. This investment supports national goals to preserve energy autonomy while moving toward renewable energy solutions over time.

The historic record for foreign direct investment in Mexico is a direct result of these major high-value commitments, which demonstrate economic momentum expected to continue during the year. 

How Does Foreign Direct Investment Work and What Makes It Important?

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) happens when a company or individual from one country makes a long-term investment in businesses located in another country. Foreign direct investment activities include establishing business operations, purchasing assets, or creating joint ventures within the host country.

Multiple important aspects make FDI essential for Mexico’s economy:

• Job Creation: When foreign companies set up new operations like factories or offices, they create both direct and indirect job opportunities for local residents.
• Economic Development: FDI boosts GDP while also reinforcing supply chain networks and promoting regional development.
• Foreign Currency Inflows: The national reserves receive reinforcement from foreign currency investments, which help maintain peso stability.
• Technology Transfer: Advanced technology and best practices that foreign firms introduce drive innovation within local industries.
• Export Promotion: By becoming part of international supply chains, Mexican businesses open doors to new markets and export possibilities.
• Competition and Efficiency: The presence of international companies enhances market competition through the development of superior products and services.

Each of these outcomes becomes more impactful when considered in light of the historic record for foreign direct investment in Mexico, which suggests a multiplier effect across sectors and regions.

How Is FDI Monitored in Mexico?

The National Registry of Foreign Investments (RNIE) manages the registration and surveillance of foreign investments in Mexico. The monitoring system verifies that capital inflows support productive use while meeting Mexico’s development objectives. The Secretariat of the Economy oversees the registry, which operates according to Mexico’s Foreign Investment Law and its relevant regulations.

Registration with the RNIE is mandatory for all entities participating in foreign investment. The system establishes transparency and oversight, which directs foreign investment toward sustainable economic growth.

The Mexico Plan: Policy, Vision, and Investment Alignment

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s mention of the “Mexico Plan” demonstrates the administration’s extensive strategic framework for economic policy. The government’s emerging priorities remain unclear, but initial indicators show a focus on:

• Sustainable development
• Public-private partnerships
• Strategic use of natural resources
• Infrastructure modernization
• Innovation and technology-driven industries

The alignment between these priorities and investor interests helps explain the historic record for foreign direct investment in Mexico. Mexico demonstrates strong dedication to market accessibility and regulatory consistency to make itself an attractive choice for international investors.

Regional Impacts of New Investments

These investments offer advantages that extend beyond Mexico City and other large cities. Incoming projects are predicted to trigger economic growth across Quintana Roo, Baja California, Sonora, and Nuevo León. National development requires a decentralized distribution of economic opportunities throughout the country.

The infrastructure advancements that accompany FDI through ports, railways, and digital networks will create enduring impacts that boost both connectivity and productivity.

The Economic Forecast for Both 2025 and the Following Years

The first quarter’s $21.4 million in foreign direct investment signals that 2025 will break previous annual records. If present patterns persist through the end of this year, Mexico could see its highest-ever annual FDI. This would mark yet another historic record for foreign direct investment in Mexico, reinforcing the country’s role as a leading economic player in Latin America.

The current trend gains strength from worldwide macroeconomic movements, which drive companies to nearshore operations near the United States, together with supply chain diversification and the rising interest in Latin American markets as substitutes for Asia-Pacific manufacturing centers.

Conclusion

The exceptional level of foreign direct investment in Mexico during the first quarter of 2025 represents more than just a historical achievement—it demonstrates Mexico’s expanding appeal as a center for innovation and technology, alongside manufacturing and energy development. Under President Sheinbaum’s leadership, economic growth flourishes through strategic planning, policy support, and international business leader engagement.

Mexico’s potential to maintain its regional leadership position in the Americas depends significantly on its capacity to draw and safeguard foreign investments as global economic dynamics shift. The historic record for foreign direct investment in Mexico stands as a testament to the country’s economic vision and ability to adapt to emerging global trends.

The National Investment Council of Honduras (CNI) has taken a major step in investment promotion by launching “Why Invest in Honduras?”. The guide presents a complete strategic framework that aims to boost Honduras’s profile and competitive position in international investment markets. The Data Intelligence Department created this user-friendly guide, which establishes an institutional milestone by combining practical information with data and insights. The guide provides a foundational tool for both policymakers and investors who aim to make domestic and foreign investment in Honduras more attractive, while promoting a data-driven strategy for investment growth.

A Strategic and Bilingual Tool for Investors

The guide “Why Invest in Honduras?” extends beyond traditional marketing material to provide vital information about Honduras’ economic situation, investment possibilities, and institutional backing. Investors searching for practical information about the Honduran market rely on this central resource. The guide stands out because of its well-designed structure. Written in both Spanish and English and freely accessible through the CNI’s official website (www.cni.hn), the document addresses key investor questions: Why should one invest in Honduras? Where are the most promising opportunities? How does the investment process work? What type of support will investors receive from the CNI? The bilingual presentation of the guide enables access for local entrepreneurs and international stakeholders, which amplifies domestic and foreign investment in Honduras through comprehensive outreach strategies.

The Guide Presents Essential Information Regarding Data Analysis, Investment Incentives, and Emerging Business Opportunities

Miguel Medina, who serves as Minister and Executive Secretary of the CNI, described the guide as a complete overview of Honduras’ investment environment, which includes the latest data and institutional responses along with the competitive advantages the country offers. The document provides a detailed analysis of foreign investment patterns by examining where foreign direct investment comes from and how much enters the country, along with investment trends. The guide details legal and fiscal incentives, which include tax benefits and free zones, together with other legal protections to promote investment. The guide highlights Honduras’ strategic location while showcasing its extensive infrastructure network that includes ports, highways, and airports. Additionally, the guide highlights human capital by detailing the young workforce, which requires minimal training, and the competitive labor costs, along with increasing technical educational programs. The guide also points out critical sectors with substantial growth potential, including agro-industry, tourism, renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Investors receive essential tools through this comprehensive data to make well-informed choices. At the same time, government bodies gain insights to synchronize their promotional approaches with investor demands, thereby reinforcing domestic and foreign investment in Honduras.

Sector-Specific Expansion: Deepening the Investment Conversation

The guide functions as the primary reference document for CNI’s series of sector-specific investment guides. The institution released the Agricultural Investment Sector Guide at Agromercados Honduras in San Pedro Sula in April 2025 and the Infrastructure Investment Sector Guide during the Expoconstruye 2025 Fair in May. The sectoral guides expand upon the fundamental structure established in “Why Invest in Honduras?” by delivering detailed industry-specific insights. Through its layered structure, investors gain initial insights into the macroeconomic environment before examining sector-specific details. The CNI has started developing sectoral guides for the energy sector, together with tourism and manufacturing, with plans to finish a strategic resource library to enhance domestic and foreign investment in Honduras.

Toward Evidence-Based Policymaking and Institutional Intelligence

The production of this guide marks CNI’s transition toward implementing evidence-based policymaking as a fundamental operational strategy. This product will launch a new period of institutional intelligence. Mario Peña, who leads the Data Intelligence Department at CNI, declared that this publication serves as a strategic resource for positioning Honduras within the international investment landscape. The CNI strengthens its competitive position in the global capital and business expansion marketplace through its focus on data collection, analysis, and dissemination. International investors demand transparency and robust institutional support, which makes professionalism essential when entering unfamiliar markets. This new approach is fundamental to increasing domestic and foreign investment in Honduras through institutional reliability.

Supporting Local Business and Regional Development

The domestic business community benefits from the guide because it serves as a valuable resource. SMEs aiming for expansion or foreign partnerships can use this tool to learn about the country’s strategic direction and available incentives while determining how to join global value chains. Municipalities and regional economic development organizations can use their findings to develop local plans that coincide with national goals. Successful domestic and foreign investment in Honduras demands coordination among national institutions and regional authorities, with private sector engagement to establish a unified investment-friendly environment.

Reducing Risk and Improving the Investor Experience

Modern investors need to tackle various obstacles such as regulatory navigation and the evaluation of political and economic threats. A guide like “Why Invest in Honduras?” offers a dependable centralized reference point that eliminates doubt and accelerates decision-making processes. The guide demonstrates Honduras’s dedication to supporting investor entry with a commitment to maintaining a stable business environment. The availability of the CNI’s complete range of services, which encompasses site selection assistance, permit facilitation, and post-investment follow-up, demonstrates the country’s active engagement strategy for potential investors. Through these services, domestic and foreign investment in Honduras benefits from reduced entry barriers and enhanced overall investor satisfaction.

Conclusion: Honduras Has Developed a Definitive Plan for Investment Opportunities Going Forward

The National Investment Council introduced “Why Invest in Honduras?” to create a more transparent and attractive investment environment through data-driven insights. Through decisive measures, the National Investment Council has moved forward to establish a more transparent and data-driven investment landscape that appeals to investors. The publication shows Honduras’ competitive strengths while committing to ongoing enhancements and partnership with private enterprises. The National Investment Council establishes sustainable economic growth through its integration of strong data analysis with actionable support services. Domestic and foreign investment in Honduras is poised to grow as the country builds its reputation as a competitive business development location in Central America through the deployment of new sectoral guides. This guide serves as an essential resource for prospective investors because it highlights how Honduras is prepared to attract domestic and foreign investment through a transparent and efficient process.