The Colón Free Zone is a free trade zone in Panama and one of the most important commercial and logistics centers in the Western Hemisphere. Located on the Atlantic entry point of the Panama Canal, the Colón Free Zone has been serving as a center for international trade, distribution, and re-export for over 70 years. The free zone connects markets from the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

A Strategic Hub for Regional Commerce

Currently, the Free Zone continues to consolidate its position as a regional logistics powerhouse by presenting major benefits to companies interested in penetrating the Latin American market. Dovi Eisenman, president of the Colón Free Zone Users Association (AUZLC), indicated that this free trade zone is consolidating itself as a strategic point for regional commerce and as an engine for economic growth for Panama.

“Colón Free Zone continues to be a preferred destination for foreign investment and an important economic engine for Panama,” Eisenman said. He added that “many foreign companies are coming to Panama to locate themselves in the Colón Free Zone by the benefits and incentives that we have in Panama to attract foreign investment.”

Global Connectivity and Business Diversity

The businessman explained that the Colón Free Zone “is a strategic point for the development and generation of trade in the region, in addition to being a door to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and having access to more than 1,400 ports in the world through the Panama Canal.”

There are currently 2,800 registered companies in the Colón Free Zone, “representing various areas such as logistics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, and automotive parts. These companies take advantage of the excellent infrastructure and world-class connectivity that the Free Zone has, as well as its efficient customs regime to operate their international supply chains and regional distribution,” Eisenman stated.

Competitive Advantages for Companies

Eisenman explained that companies have multiple competitive advantages in the Colón Free Zone. These include: “The benefits of operating in the United States dollar, a stable and dollarized economy, and a very favorable geostrategic location between two continents. In addition, Panama is a country with a long-standing tradition of being a business-friendly environment with a solid and growing financial services sector, which makes Panama an attractive option for multinational companies that are interested in establishing a presence in Latin America.”

Fiscal and Customs Benefits

The businessman noted that Colón Free Zone companies operate under a special fiscal and customs regime, which includes the free importation, storage, and re-exportation of goods. For this reason, the Colón Free Zone is “one of the largest free trade zones in the world, after Hong Kong.”

The Colón Free Zone’s close proximity to the largest ports, modern warehouses, and multimodal transport links—including the Panama Canal Railway—offers a streamlined and efficient logistics ecosystem for companies looking to move their goods throughout the Americas, which reduces costs and optimizes delivery times.

Economic Contribution and Local Impact

The Colón Free Zone president also indicated that “last year, we generated more than 50 million dollars per year as a result of the commercial activity that is carried out by all the users of the Free Zone. Of those $50 million, we deliver about $30 million to the Central Government, and then it is the Central Government that takes care of distributing it among the municipalities,” Eisenman explained.

The businessman’s statements were in response to a controversy generated by statements made by Colón’s mayor, Diógenes Galván, who had indicated that in the Colón Free Zone, “businesses are not paying taxes and that is what slows down the district.”

Clarifying Misconceptions About Taxation

Eisenman responded to the comments by stating that “the mayor from the start should have clarified, because the story was completely inverted, as if the businessmen were to blame for what is happening.”

Eisenman indicated that “what I can tell the mayor is that he should be very well informed because by what he said, he confused not only the general public but also every one of us. We, as Free Zone businessmen, don’t understand what he means by ‘not paying taxes.’”

According to the president of the AUZLC, “people in general, including the mayor of Colón, do not understand the way our free zones work in Panama, because our Free Zones have special regimes, which I will briefly explain.”

Fees, Permits, and Local Obligations

“It’s important to know that the free zone companies pay all the fees, permits, security, sanitation, taxes on local sales, social security, and all operational costs. All services that a city hall or municipality normally collects are the services that are paid to the administration of the Colón Free Zone,” Eisenman said.

In addition, he noted that beyond these fees, companies pay other operational fees for operating in the jurisdiction of Colón. “We also pay for other services for operating within the Colón area, and that costs $5,000 per year, being $2,500 for operation and $2,500 for representation,” the businessman stated.

He went on to clarify that “we also pay by the square meter of the space that we occupy, because all the land in there is rented, it is not privately owned; it is rented for 20 years.”

Strengthening Understanding of Free Zone Operations

In light of these explanations, the president of the AUZLC stated that “we are active taxpayers, our companies pay rent, permit taxes, and everything within the law and the regulations that we have.” The businessman said that this contributes to a more accurate understanding of how free zones contribute to economic development and challenges common misconceptions about tax exemptions.

The Colón Free Zone Users Association (AUZLC)

The Colón Free Zone Users Association (AUZLC) was founded on November 5, 1979. The Association was created by a group of entrepreneurs who decided to take the initiative to unite in defense of the rights of the Free Zone users and to strengthen the competitiveness of this important Panamanian institution.

Since then, the AUZLC has been working day by day to promote greater collaboration between the private sector and the public authorities, in order to make the Free Zone more efficient and attractive as a platform for global commerce. The Association promotes the continuous improvement of policies, supports business development initiatives, and also seeks to promote sustained and sustainable growth in the Colón region.

Who Is Dovi Eisenman?

Dovi Eisenman is the current president of the Colón Free Zone Users Association (AUZLC). In addition, Eisenman is the CEO of Grupo FCI, a Panama-based company that provides transportation, e-commerce, distribution, customs management, and third-party logistics (3PL) services.

He is also the president of Fundación Voluntad Panamá. He has a Master’s degree in Administration and Transportation Logistics Management. Eisenman is a professional in the area of international maritime transport, and he has worked closely with ship captains, which has allowed him to establish connections with a large number of global shipping agents.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Colón Free Zone

The Colón Free Zone is one of Panama’s most resilient economic institutions, and it represents the country’s commitment to trade, openness, and free markets. Despite the challenges the free zone has faced over the last decade, it has continued to evolve and adapt to changes in the global economy.

For instance, the Colón Free Zone has embraced digitization and is implementing sustainable business practices to remain competitive in the changing global market.

A Catalyst for Panama’s Economic Growth

In the future, with continued support from the authorities and with the leadership of the current president of the AUZLC, Dovi Eisenman, and active participation of the organization’s members, the Colón Free Zone has an opportunity to increase its influence as a regional logistics hub, attract new investment, and continue to contribute to the long-term prosperity of Panama.

As Eisenman stated: “The Colón Free Zone is not just a place of business, it’s a catalyst for economic growth and international cooperation, which strengthens Panama’s role as the commercial bridge of the Americas.”

Uruguay has formally taken over the Presidency of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) economic development program for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Building on Strengths and International Partnerships

The OECD’s economic development program for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) brings together OECD member countries and regional partners working to design, coordinate, and implement effective public policies to address common development challenges and promote sustained, inclusive growth.

The presidency, which the Uruguayan government and the organization will hold in joint coordination until 2028, will be based on four pillars: productivity, social inclusion, institutions, governance, and environmental sustainability.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its involvement in this area of the OECD, will continue working to strengthen the program, so that its actions are in line with the real interests of the countries of the region and benefit their population,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Valeria Csukasi.

An Opportunity to Lead the Region

The OECD economic development program for Latin America and the Caribbean is designed to support and stimulate public policy innovation and regional cooperation to tackle the challenges that countries in the region face. From strengthening social protection systems to promoting sustainable economic growth, the program plays a crucial role in helping countries build more inclusive and prosperous societies.

Uruguay’s new position will enable the country to strengthen and diversify South-South cooperation with countries in the region, advancing governance, transparency, competitiveness, and other essential aspects for the well-being of society.

Strengthening dialogue and collaboration among countries, international organizations, and civil society will be central to the new round of work under Uruguay’s coordination. In this sense, Deputy Minister Csukasi advanced that her visit to the OECD headquarters was an opportunity to meet with international partners in order to define work priorities and identify cooperation opportunities. “We have also had the opportunity to meet with the Secretary-General of the OECD, Mr. Mathias Cormann, and with Ms. Elsa Pilichowski, Director of Public Governance, among others,” said the deputy minister.

Dialogue and consensus-building among governments, civil society, and the private sector are key to achieving the goals of the economic development program. The program’s member countries and partner nations in the region agreed to structure their work around four strategic pillars of action. These include productivity, social inclusion, strengthening institutions and governance, and sustainability.

Promoting Productivity and Innovation

One of the program’s key pillars is productivity, which is essential to economic growth and competitiveness. The OECD and participating governments will work together to support policies that help Latin American and Caribbean countries increase productivity, including by integrating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into regional and global value chains.

Opening access to technology and improving training and financing for SMEs are priorities that will receive particular attention during the Uruguayan Presidency. The program also supports innovation and competitiveness through better policy design and implementation, helping businesses to grow and compete in regional and global markets.

Expanding Opportunities for All

Expanding social inclusion and access to labor markets is another strategic objective. The OECD will work with Latin American and Caribbean governments to promote more inclusive social protection systems, better vocational training, and access to education.

Attention will also be paid to the benefits of digital transformation, given that many people in the region do not yet have equal access to these technologies. The expansion of public transport and urban infrastructure is also a clear priority to make access to employment and services more inclusive.

Building Stronger Institutions and Governance

Strengthening institutions and governance is critical for creating more transparent, accountable, and effective public policies. The OECD program promotes best practices in public administration and supports a culture of integrity to build trust between governments and citizens.

Uruguay will support countries in the region to improve their institutional performance, strengthen the rule of law, and protect human rights. Policies that promote fiscal transparency, for example, can also help attract more investment and make public spending more efficient and transparent.

Environmental Sustainability and Resilience

Latin America and the Caribbean face significant environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, and natural disasters. The OECD economic development program supports countries in the region to develop and implement environmentally sound policies, strengthen resilience to climate-related risks, and better manage natural resources.

The program also supports clean energy transitions and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Biodiversity protection is also high on the list of the governments’ and OECD’s environmental priorities.

Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Dialogue

During her official visit to the headquarters of the OECD, Deputy Minister Csukasi had the opportunity to meet with different international partners to exchange on issues of common interest. Among these, she held a meeting with the OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, with whom she discussed the strengthening of relations between Uruguay and the Organization in key areas such as the quality of institutions, good governance, and sustainable growth.

“We agreed on the need to continue working together in order to ensure that regional public policies are aligned with best practices in OECD countries, which will help increase transparency and competitiveness,” said the Deputy Minister after the meeting.

Subsequently, she met with Anabel Gonzalez, Vice President for Countries and Regional Integration of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with whom she identified opportunities to explore synergies between the IDB’s regional integration projects and the OECD’s capacity-building initiatives.

In turn, she had meetings with Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir, Director of the OECD Development Center, and Elsa Pilichowski, Director for Public Governance in the OECD, to discuss opportunities for advancing policy coherence in areas of common interest such as digital government, education, and transparency.

21st Meeting of the Executive Committee

Dya Cukasi also co-chaired, together with Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, the 21st meeting of the Executive Committee of the program’s participants, which served to assess progress made in recent years and to give shape to the next phase of work.

She also participated in a session with members from various countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and officials of the OECD. She also presented a speech in which she highlighted Uruguay’s strengths in matters such as digital government, green energy, and social protection, and expressed her government’s commitment to working in a pragmatic way to develop public policies that ensure the well-being of citizens and benefit from synergies with regional and multilateral work.

Uruguay’s Presidency

Member countries and partner nations recognized Uruguay’s pragmatic approach and record of successful governance and economic management, with its emphasis on social protection, green energy, and regional integration.

During the next stage of the work program, Uruguay will focus on building long-term and effective partnerships, translating policy recommendations into practical results, and leveraging its experience in innovation to support reforms in other countries in the region.

Punta Cana Free Trade Zone: A New Logistics and Technology Hub for the Caribbean

An innovative free trade zone joins the tourism industry with an investment exceeding US$200 million.

November 12, 2025 – The Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ) was officially launched, a free zone investment of over US$200 million, which combines air and maritime logistics operations, an innovation and technology development center, and an aircraft maintenance and repair service. The event was attended by President Luis Abinader and leading representatives of the public and private sectors. This new initiative for the development of the Eastern Region is an innovative business project for Latin America and the Caribbean promoted by Grupo Punta Cana (GPC), the company that has driven the sustainable development and transformation of tourism in the region for decades.

Innovative Project with a Long-Term Vision: Tourism Meets Industry

The Punta Cana Free Trade Zone is the result of a long-term investment and a project designed to coexist with the extraordinary tourism growth of the region through industrial, technological, and logistics operations. Punta Cana Hub has a total area of 742,616 square meters and will bring together air, sea, and land logistics operations, corporate areas, and an innovation center for entrepreneurship and fintech and technology companies development. The project’s purpose is to create a diversified investment economy, to attract different types of investments to the region and the country, and to lay the groundwork for the future development of industry and technology in the Dominican Republic.

The Punta Cana Free Trade Zone project also includes the first aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) complex of the Dominican Republic, which will place the country on the map as a future regional hub for aviation services in the Caribbean. It will provide airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean with leading-edge aircraft servicing, engineering, and logistics services, creating a new high-value segment in the national economy.

Jobs and Training for Residents

This complex, in its phase of full operation, will generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, from air cargo and logistics specialists, software engineers, maintenance technicians, administrative staff, and more. It will also create important employment opportunities for people living in La Altagracia province and nearby regions by providing technical specialization and training to promote employment and workforce development in skilled jobs, beyond the capital area, where most of these opportunities have traditionally been limited in the country.

In addition, the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone strengthens the Dominican Republic’s role as an international logistics hub, a center for innovation, and an attractive option for foreign investment. With its state-of-the-art facilities and modern logistics solutions, the PCFTZ will be a key element in the country’s competitiveness strategy in the Caribbean and Latin American markets.

Hub of Air, Sea, and Land Logistics for the Caribbean

The 265,518 m² of land area and 75,000 m² of construction, the Air, Sea, and Land Logistics Center, is designed to manage imports, exports, transshipments and parcels. This operation is strategically located near Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and the ports of La Romana and Haina for multimodal connectivity, which will strengthen the Dominican Republic’s logistics infrastructure and contribute to reducing delivery times and costs of products entering and leaving the country.

The PCFTZ complex, which will be equipped with the latest generation of dual-view X-ray machines, container verification systems and automated inventory control systems, will provide maximum safety and efficiency. In its last stage, with a capacity of 430 tons of air cargo and five wide-body aircraft ramp positions, it will move up to 108 tons of cargo per aircraft depending on the configuration. This will offer international companies efficient access to markets in North America, Central America and South America.

Agreement with DP World

Grupo Punta Cana signed a collaboration agreement with DP World, a multinational specialized in logistics solutions and port operations, to work jointly on the construction of the Multimodal Logistics Center that will combine air, land, and sea freight services in a single integrated platform. The agreement with DP World will ensure the implementation of global standards in logistics management, customs efficiency and cargo security from the start of the project. This will place the Dominican Republic on the map as a reference point for global maritime trade and strengthen the role of the region as a gateway between the Americas and Europe.

The announcement of a US$70 million investment in the project was also made by FL Technics, a European aviation services company, to build the first independent MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) complex in the Dominican Republic in 2025. The ultra-modern maintenance facility will be equipped with the latest maintenance equipment and operated by local staff who will be trained by international experts, certified in accordance with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other international aviation organizations. In addition to providing MRO, the facility will also offer training programs to develop qualified Dominican professionals for highly technical and specialized careers in the aviation sector.

Environmentally Responsible Innovation Center

Grupo Punta Cana has a long-standing history of innovation and a focus on developing environmentally responsible initiatives in tourism and infrastructure. Punta Cana Free Trade Zone will be no exception. Renewable energy systems, waste management solutions and eco-friendly building practices will all be used throughout the project. The free zone’s innovation center, meanwhile, will help incubate and support startups and established businesses that are working in the fields of clean technologies, software, and digital transformation.

The Punta Cana Free Trade Zone represents a new model for the Dominican Republic, evolving into a diversified and knowledge-based economy. Logistics, aviation and other services, which have not traditionally been strong in the Dominican Republic, are beginning to play an important role in the country’s business landscape. Once the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone is in operation, it will not only serve existing export-oriented industries but also attract new businesses to expand their operations in the Caribbean region.

Its strategic location, high-quality infrastructure and a regulatory and institutional framework that is favorable to investment make the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone a pioneer project and an example to be emulated for the international competitiveness of the Dominican Republic.

So far under the administration of La Libertad Avanza, total inflows have exceeded USD 15 billion, but economists warn that this is not enough to sustain the current exchange rate regime. Here’s how it compares with Massa’s term and the figures from the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI).

Economic Team Seeks to Boost Argentina Foreign Investment

Following the legislative elections—won by the government—and under the assumption that the exchange rate regime faces no problems, the economic team led by Luis Caputo now wants to focus on attracting Argentina foreign investment to boost economic activity. According to the latest (BCRA), in the second quarter of 2025, total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reached USD 2.866 billion. This represented an increase compared with the first three months of the year, when inflows totaled USD 1.015 billion, and especially with the last quarter of 2024, when they barely reached USD 90 million. The rise was largely explained by reinvested earnings, which accounted for USD 1.684 billion of the total—the second-highest level in the year and a half of La Libertad Avanza’s administration, only surpassed by the first quarter of 2024, when reinvestments reached USD 2.347 billion. Below reinvested earnings were debt transactions (USD 1.457 billion), capital contributions (USD 977 million), and mergers and acquisitions, which subtracted USD 1.252 billion.

Economists Warn Current Inflows Are Insufficient

“Current levels of foreign direct investment are low relative to what this economy needs,” said Lucio Garay Méndez, an economist at Eco Go, noting that a low real exchange rate is turning the current account negative. Given the foreign-currency debt maturity profile and the level of the Central Bank’s net reserves, he emphasized that higher levels of Argentina foreign investment are needed to strengthen the capital account — if the government intends to maintain the current exchange rate framework. “From a monetary program perspective, if the aim is to remonetize the economy through peso issuance resulting from foreign currency purchases, it’s unlikely that the current account will supply those inflows until April. In the meantime, higher foreign direct investment is necessary,” he added.

Comparing FDI Flows Between 2023 and 2025

Between January 2024 and June 30, 2025, foreign capital inflows totaled USD 15.528 billion (USD 11.647 billion in 2024 and USD 3.881 billion between January and June 2025). In comparison, 2023 saw inflows of over USD 24 billion. However, according to Garay Méndez, these represent two very different types of FDI. In 2023, investment was inflated by capital controls and increased commercial debt. “Since companies couldn’t take money out, many engaged in carry trades or took on debt because they couldn’t access the foreign currency they needed to exit. In 2024, with the introduction of the Bonds for the Reconstruction of a Free Argentina (Bopreal) and other smaller measures, this situation normalized, and what we’re seeing now is much more genuine,” he explained.

The RIGI Framework and Key Investment Projects

To encourage capital inflows from the start of its term — and avoid repeating what happened under Mauricio Macri — the government enacted the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI). According to official data from the Ministry of Economy, there are currently 23 projects totaling USD 50.589 billion. The RIGI committee has already approved several worth USD 24.814 billion, while another USD 25.775 billion is under review. Among the most significant approved projects is that of Southern Energy (owned by Pan American Energy (PAE) and Golar LNG), which plans to install a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) production vessel in the Gulf of San Matías, Río Negro. The project involves a USD 15.156 billion investment over its expected 20-year lifespan.

U.S. and Global Capital Lead Argentina’s Foreign Investment

With financial assistance from the United States to the consulting firm Analytica,  President Donald Trump seeks to expand U.S. companies’ participation in Argentina’s economy and curb potential Chinese investment. “The presence of U.S. capital is nothing new. In recent years—up to the first quarter of 2025—U.S. investors accounted for the largest share of Argentina foreign investment, totaling USD 9.999 billion between 2021 and the first quarter of this year,” the report noted. This positioned the U.S. ahead of Spain (USD 9.043 billion) and well above Brazil (USD 6.970 billion).

Investor Confidence and Exchange Rate Outlook

Over the weekend, reports surfaced suggesting that Caputo had told a group of investors in the United States that he was considering changes to the exchange-rate band system within the next 30 days — a claim later denied by official sources at the Ministry of Economy. On Monday, November 10, 2025, the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, met with a group of investors on the fifth floor of the Ministry of Economy building in an event organized by Morgan Stanley. “There will be growth, the fiscal surplus remains intact, investments are coming, and money will flow in,” said one of the attendees. Others, however, were more cautious about the economic program. They came to assess how things were progressing, acknowledging that although they view the program as sound and believe capable officials are in charge, uncertainty persists. Several also expressed doubts about whether the economic team will be able to access international markets before the end of the year.

The Road Ahead for Argentina’s Foreign Investment

While inflows have shown an encouraging upward trend, economists agree that Argentina foreign investment must accelerate substantially to stabilize the peso, strengthen reserves, and sustain growth. For now, confidence in Caputo’s fiscal discipline and the success of the RIGI program will determine whether Argentina can attract the scale of foreign capital it needs to power a lasting recovery.

The growing demand for applications, data storage, and artificial intelligence (AI) has driven an inflow of USD 183.8 million into Mexico as of September this year. Foreign investment attracted by Mexico for the construction of data centers surged this year, reaching record levels in the second quarter, according to data from the Ministry of Economy (SE). Between April and June, the country received USD 183.8 million from foreign companies for the provision of infrastructure related to computing services, data processing, website hosting, and other associated activities.

Before this period, the highest level of investment in this type of infrastructure occurred in the first quarter of 2023, with USD 9.6 million, according to figures from the federal government’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) portal.

Growing Demand for Digital Infrastructure

Efrén Páez, senior analyst at DPL Group, explained that corporate demand for applications, data storage, and artificial intelligence (AI) has driven investments in Mexico for the construction of new data centers. He highlighted that another factor attracting investment in this sector is national legislation requiring that financial and health data be stored within the country.

“For the past two or three years, we’ve been discussing investment in data centers—especially since the issue of data sovereignty began to gain attention. At the same time, there has been a rising demand from the private sector for apps, which coincides with the growing use of AI,” the specialist noted.

Páez emphasized that such investments take time to be fully executed and that they involve not only capital spending on infrastructure but also operational expenditures, including personnel. In this regard, he estimated that foreign direct investment in data centers will continue to grow in the coming quarters.

“The expectation within the sector is for further increases in this type of infrastructure investment, particularly to serve industries that are demanding greater data storage capacity, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.”

Strategic Hubs Driving Growth

According to the global consulting firm Turner & Townsend, Mexico is rapidly positioning itself as a strategic destination for data center investment in Latin America, driven by its strong connectivity, proximity to North American markets, and government programs for digital infrastructure. This momentum underscores how investment in data centers in Mexico is now a core part of the country’s digital transformation and economic modernization strategy.

In its Data Centre Construction Cost Index 2025–2026 report, the firm asserts that Querétaro is emerging as the country’s main development hub, offering a unique combination of competitive costs and government support.

“The region is attracting hyperscale operators and service providers, but it must now meet the technical and logistical demands of AI infrastructure,” the report highlighted.

The study also notes that 83 percent of experts believe local supply chains are still not ready to sustain the growing technological demand brought by AI, which means demand for this type of infrastructure will continue to rise.

Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Expansion

The consultancy identifies 2025 as a key year for the announcement and development of data centers, as developers transition from traditional air-cooled facilities to high-density liquid-cooled data centers designed for AI workloads. Analysts agree that investment in data centers in Mexico is entering a critical phase that will determine the country’s ability to sustain large-scale digital operations.

“Mexico is in a unique position to become a leader in AI-driven data center development. Querétaro’s growth is a clear signal of investor confidence, but success will depend on strengthening supply chains and ensuring reliable access to energy,” the report added.

“The biggest challenge for the growth of data centers in Mexico is ensuring the availability of energy and water,” both the DPL Group analyst and the consulting firm agreed.

Páez added that human capital will also be crucial for driving new projects, noting with optimism that more Mexican universities are introducing engineering programs focused on this sector. Data from the Ministry of Economy show that in previous years, investment in data centers was practically nonexistent. However, in the last two quarters, the trend has shifted dramatically, with capital inflows exceeding USD 183 million.

Global Tech Giants Lead Investment Momentum

Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and CloudHQ have all announced significant investments in data centers in Mexico. In February of last year, the company founded by Jeff Bezos announced a USD 5 billion investment to create its Cloud Region. Seven months later, in September, Microsoft revealed plans to inject USD 1.3 billion into Mexico in 2025 as part of its cloud and AI service expansion projects.

In September of this year, CloudHQ—one of the world’s leading data center developers—announced a USD 4.8 billion investment for the construction of a data center complex consisting of six separate facilities in Querétaro.

These projects illustrate how investment in data centers in Mexico has evolved from a niche area into a national priority, transforming the country into a key regional player in digital infrastructure. As AI adoption accelerates across industries, this trend is expected to continue reshaping Mexico’s technological landscape and attracting even greater levels of foreign capital.