Guanajuato Strengthens Bilateral Cooperation With US Lawmakers – Mexico Business News

Report on Guanajuato Governor’s Meeting with US Representatives Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

On February 9, Guanajuato Governor Libia García convened with members of the US House of Representatives in San Miguel de Allende to strengthen bilateral cooperation on economic development, trade, migration, and security. This meeting underscored Guanajuato’s strategic role within North America under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Key Participants and Objectives

• US Delegation:
  • Representative Michael McCaul, Chairman of the US-Mexico Interparliamentary Group
  • Representative Henry Cuellar, Ranking Member
  • Representative Salud Carbajal
• Guanajuato Representatives:
  • State Ministers of Government, Security and Peace, Human Rights, and Economy
  • San Miguel de Allende Mayor Mauricio Trejo Pureco

The meeting aimed to reaffirm long-standing ties and promote sustained dialogue amid a complex global environment, emphasizing open communication and collaboration as tools to achieve SDG 17.

Guanajuato’s Economic Role Under USMCA and SDG Alignment

Economic Strength and Foreign Investment

Governor García highlighted Guanajuato as Mexico’s fifth-largest economy, with over US$32 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and more than 700 world-class companies operating locally. This economic vitality supports SDG 8 and SDG 9 by fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth and resilient infrastructure.

Foreign Investment Breakdown

1. Japan: 29.8% of total FDI
2. United States: 17.5% of total FDI
3. Germany: 12.3%
4. Domestic Capital: 11.7%
5. Others: Italy, France, China, Canada, United Kingdom

Strategic Partnership with the United States

• US is Guanajuato’s second-largest source of foreign investment and leading commercial partner.
• US companies invested over MX$5.4 billion in 96 projects under USMCA.
• Trade data (Jan-Sept 2025):
  • Imports from US: US$10.87 billion in industrial inputs and goods
  • Exports to US: US$24.89 billion
• 1,427 Guanajuato-based companies maintain trade relations with the US.
• 81% of Guanajuato’s exports are destined for the US market.

Migration, Security, and Binational Community Cooperation

Migration and Social Ties (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)

The meeting addressed migration and binational community support, highlighting the presence of thousands of US citizens in Guanajuato and millions of Guanajuato natives in the US. These social and cultural ties necessitate coordinated public policies and institutional cooperation to promote inclusive societies.

Security Collaboration (SDG 16)

• Governor García emphasized close coordination with US law enforcement, federal authorities, and local governments.
• Security is a shared priority, requiring intelligence-led strategies and information sharing.
• Guanajuato’s security strategy focuses on intelligence, regional coordination, and international collaboration to combat crime and protect citizens.

Japanese Investment and Its Strategic Role in Mexico’s Economy

Japan-Mexico Economic Partnership (SDG 17)

Japan continues to play a strategic role in Mexico’s economy under the Economic Partnership Agreement signed in 2005. By 2025, Japan was Mexico’s third-largest foreign investor, following the US and Spain.

Trade and Investment Data

• Mexico recorded a US$12.3 billion trade deficit with Japan in 2025, reflecting deep integration of supply chains.
• Japan accounted for 7% of total FDI received by Mexico as of Q3 2024.

Regional Concentration of Japanese Investment

1. Aguascalientes: US$481.4 million (32% of national total)
2. Guanajuato: US$438.5 million (29%)
3. Baja California: US$353.2 million

This concentration reinforces the Bajío region as a key hub for advanced manufacturing, automotive production, and industrial supply chains, contributing to SDG 9.

Conclusion

The meeting between Guanajuato Governor Libia García and US House Representatives reinforced the importance of bilateral cooperation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Emphasizing economic growth, social inclusion, security, and international partnerships, the dialogue supports the advancement of SDGs 8, 9, 10, 16, and 17. Guanajuato’s strategic role within North America and its robust foreign investment landscape position it as a pivotal actor in fostering sustainable development and regional stability.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article emphasizes economic development, foreign direct investment, and trade, highlighting Guanajuato’s role in North American supply chains and attracting global companies.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Focus on industrial inputs, advanced manufacturing, automotive production, and industrial supply chains in Guanajuato and the Bajío region.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Discussions on security, law enforcement coordination, intelligence-led strategies, and institutional cooperation to strengthen peace and trust.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Emphasis on bilateral cooperation between Mexico and the United States, as well as Japan, highlighting trade agreements and intergovernmental dialogue.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Addressing migration and support for the binational community, reflecting social and cultural ties and the need for coordinated public policies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances.
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification and technological upgrading.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and entrepreneurship.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and raise industry’s share of employment and GDP.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
3. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory decision-making.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building.
5. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Economic Indicators
   • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows: US$32 billion in Guanajuato, with breakdown by country (Japan 29.8%, US 17.5%, etc.).
   • Trade volumes: Imports and exports with the US (e.g., US$10.87 billion imports, US$24.89 billion exports).
   • Number of companies engaged in trade: 1,427 companies with US trade relations.
   • Percentage of exports destined for the US market: 81%.
2. Security and Institutional Cooperation Indicators
   • Coordination mechanisms between law enforcement agencies and governments.
   • Implementation of intelligence-led strategies and information sharing.
   • Measures of peace and trust, though not quantified, are implied as outcomes.
3. Migration and Social Indicators
   • Population data on US citizens living in Guanajuato and Guanajuato natives residing in the US (implied).
   • Policies and institutional cooperation supporting binational communities.
4. Investment Distribution Indicators
   • Regional concentration of Japanese FDI in specific states (e.g., Aguascalientes 32%, Guanajuato 29%).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mexicobusiness.news