The 2025 SelectUSA Mexico Conference is Approaching: Learn How to Invest in the U.S.
By Editorial Staff
January 16, 2025
Mexico ranks among the countries that have significantly increased their investment in the United States (U.S.) over the past four years, said Elizabeth Schaefer, Executive Director of SelectUSA, during the “Informative Webinar: Opportunities and Preparation for the 2025 SelectUSA Mexico Conference.”
She highlighted that Mexican investment has reached nearly $58 billion, primarily in the food and beverage, auto parts, plastics, business services, communications, and metals sectors, creating 88,000 jobs. This is why the second edition of the conference, scheduled for February 25–26 at the Hilton Hotel in Mexico City, aims to further strengthen business ties with Mexico.
This event serves as a precursor to the “SelectUSA Investment Summit,” which will take place from May 11–14 in the U.S., featuring various economic development organizations that assist investors in finding the best opportunities. Mexico consistently stands out as one of the most represented delegations at this flagship event.
“This demonstrates the strength of Mexico’s business community,” Schaefer remarked.
The Mexico City event anticipates the participation of 30 economic development organizations.
Clarissa Bonillas, International Investment Specialist at SelectUSA, noted that over the past four years, SelectUSA has facilitated more than $690 million in investment in the U.S., resulting in the creation of over 2,500 jobs.
Key sectors include food and beverages, consumer goods, wholesale trade, distribution and logistics, design and construction, energy, communications, healthcare, among others.
Additionally, Bonillas emphasized that U.S. states offer over 2,400 incentive programs, complemented by county- and city-level incentives.
New Jersey: Highly Competitive
Bill Noonan, Chief Business Development Officer at Choose New Jersey, an economic development organization that helps global companies relocate, expand, or establish operations in the state, highlighted the opportunities New Jersey offers investors.
Noonan emphasized the state's strategic location, robust infrastructure, and high quality of life as competitive advantages.
Choose New Jersey provides comprehensive support to interested companies, offering guidance on establishment requirements, available incentives, and connections with universities and colleges to access necessary talent and workforce.
Prominent sectors in New Jersey include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, technology, food and beverages, innovation, clean energy, and film and television.
He also noted that with a population of 9 million, the state boasts remarkable diversity and culture.
North Carolina Showcases Its Competitive Edge
Justyn Bellito, Business Development Manager at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, stated that this is the first time the organization will participate in the Mexico Conference. They plan to highlight the advantages of one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S.
Bellito explained that North Carolina’s primary sectors include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defense, film, financial services, life sciences, plastics and chemicals, technology, textiles, and tourism. The state also offers low construction, electricity, and living costs.
Additionally, North Carolina has the lowest corporate income tax rate in the U.S. at 2.5%, set to reach 0% by 2030.
Regarding Mexican presence in the state, Bellito mentioned there are 20 Mexican companies and approximately 204,500 Mexican residents. Mexico also exports $10.3 billion worth of goods to North Carolina.
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina provides investor support, including incentive guidance, site selection assistance, and education and workforce training programs.
What Type of Visa Do I Need?: Drummond
Pedro Drummond, founding partner of Drummond, an international consulting firm specializing in accounting, tax, legal, and business development, addressed the importance of understanding U.S. legal frameworks for foreign investors, particularly the type of visa required for their investment process.
Drummond noted that this is a critical aspect for entrepreneurs to consider, as U.S. regulations can be complex. To simplify the process, legal assistance is recommended.
Connect with United Airlines
In partnership with SelectUSA, Margarita Robles, Account Manager at United Airlines, highlighted the airline’s connectivity at strategic points across the U.S. and Mexico for businesses.
She explained that United operates seven hubs in the U.S. (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Washington, Newark, Houston, and Chicago) connecting to various continents and serves 22 cities in Mexico.
Robles detailed United Airlines' routes and technology offerings, along with corporate travel benefit programs tailored to companies' needs. These programs include points systems, discounts, partnerships, and more.
For more information about the 2025 SelectUSA Mexico Conference, interested parties can email selectusamexico@trade.gov.
