Pankaj Sharma, Indian Ambassador to Mexico, talks to Mexico News Daily

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March 12, 2024

Indian Ambassador to Mexico Pankaj Sharma — Ambassador Pankaj Sharma shares his insights with Mexico News Daily in an interview for the Global Mexico: India in focus series. (IndEmbMexico/X)

As part of Mexico News Daily’s “India in Focus” week, Mexico News Daily co-owner Tamanna Bembenek talked to India’s Ambassador to Mexico Pankaj Sharma. Below you will find his insights about the Mexico-India relationship and their shared goals and opportunities.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

TAMANNA BEMBENEK: You have named three key priorities for the India-Mexico relationship: tech, trade and tourism. In the current geopolitical climate, what unique opportunities do you see for Mexico and India to work together specifically around trade?

AMBASSADOR PANKAJ SHARMA: The three pillars of tech, trade and tourism derive from the priorities laid out by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, and we are working towards forging mutually beneficial collaborations in each of these areas. As far as trade is concerned, the confluence of various factors presents a favorable environment for collaboration.

Firstly, with global shifts in supply chain dynamics, India and Mexico can collaborate to offer alternative manufacturing and sourcing options, providing more resilience to disruptions.

Secondly, leveraging the complementary strengths that both countries share can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships, especially in sunrise sectors such as renewable energy.

Ambassador Sharma with Querétaro governor Mauricio Kuri — Ambassador Sharma (left) at a recent event with the governor of Querétaro, Mauricio Kuri. (IndEmbMex/X)

Thirdly, identifying specific sectors of mutual interest such as pharmaceuticals, automotive and information technology can contribute to boosting bilateral trade and investments.

Last, but not least, there is a need to simplify trade procedures and regulations, as well as reduce barriers to trade.

Today bilateral trade relations between India and Mexico are on an upswing, reaching an all-time high of US$ 11.4 billion in 2022. India is Mexico’s tenth-largest trading partner. To expand this trade potential, the Embassy of India in Mexico launched an initiative to establish The Trade & Commerce Council of India, which aims to foster cooperation between the businesses of India and Mexico.

When we talk about tourism, the number of Mexicans visiting India has slowly increased as we come out of the shadows of COVID-19 pandemic. Indians have also started looking at Mexico, especially for destination weddings. If we smooth out the challenges in terms of visas, direct flight connectivity and flight costs, I am sure that we can grow tourism between our countries.

TB: India has made great strides in raising its profile as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. What can Mexico learn from India?

PS: Both India and Mexico have made great strides, which is evident from the recent economic data. India has become the world’s 5th largest economy, while Mexico has become the 12th largest economy. Mexico continues to attract investments with its nearshoring opportunities, while India with its economic reforms is becoming a manufacturing hub of Asia.

BMW plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico — A worker puts together a sedan at the BMW plant in San Luis Potosí. (BMW)

India has done well to implement ease-of-doing business reforms. In addition, introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in 2016 brought a paradigm shift in handling corporate insolvency. As a result of these reforms, India has made the highest jump by any large country since 2011 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index.

India has also focused on digital transformation. The Digital India program, launched in July 2015, is a flagship program of the Government of India that has transformed the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The government’s focus on digital public infrastructure has resulted into India being the second-fastest digital adopter among 17 major economies of the world.

This has created a huge market for a host of digital services, platforms, applications, content, and solutions, and an attractive opportunity for global and local businesses to invest in emerging technologies like AI, block chain, or quantum technology.

India’s focus on infrastructure development, including transportation, energy and connectivity has played a crucial role in supporting economic growth.

The Indian government’s push on skill development is paying dividends. Under the Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, the focus is on short and long-term training programs for the country’s workers. Between 2017 and 2023 more than 10 million people have been trained under this program to create a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future.

Lastly, India is successfully diversifying its economy, moving beyond traditional sectors to embrace technology and innovation. With 100+ “unicorns”, India has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. India has also made a huge leap of 41 places in seven years in the WIPO’s Global Innovation Index with a 50% increase in the filing of patents in the last seven years.

However, all of this growth would be pointless if the last person in the queue did not benefit. Staying faithful to Mahatma Gandhi’s “Antyodaya” concept (working towards uplifting the poorest populations) the government is aiming to make economic growth as inclusive and equitable as possible.

TB: The Indian Embassy together with the Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry held the first joint IT forum in Mexico City in October last year. What does Mexico need to do to attract more IT investment from India?

PS: Mexico has already become an attractive destination for IT investments, not only due to the nearshoring opportunities, but also the fact that Mexico has some of the best IT educational institutions and skilled professionals.

Ambassador Sharma with LTI Mindtree representatives — Ambassador Sharma at an event with LTI Mindtree representatives in Mexico City. (IndEmbMex/X)

We already have the presence of several major IT companies from India, like HCLTech, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Birla Soft, Tech Mahindra in Mexico. System Soft technologies and Grey Matter solutions are recent additions. LTIMindtree has opened its first delivery center in Mexico City. More Indian companies like Avahi, Aryanco Partners are exploring the Mexican market and will enter soon. So there is already a good flow of Indian investments in this critical sector in Mexico.

The India-Mexico High Tech forum was an attempt to bring together these IT companies from both India and Mexico and brainstorm on some of the key emerging areas, such as Fintech and Artificial Intelligence, and to build useful synergies.

TB: What does Mexico need to do to attract more pharmaceutical/medical device investment from India?

PS: Pharmaceutical products are an important component of our trade basket with Mexico and an important sector for Indian investment.We already have the presence of Sunpharma, Torrent, Cipla, Heterodrugs, Zydus, Dr.Reddy’s, Lupin, Micro Labs, Accord Pharma and others in Mexico. However, there is still scope to further expand the presence of Indian pharmaceutical players, which will substantially benefit the Mexican people by making a wide variety of quality medicines available at an affordable cost, in keeping with the priorities of President López Obrador.

TB: What can India do to deepen the relationship with Mexico? Why is a strong India- Mexico relationship important in today’s world?

PS: The continued high-level exchanges have helped to increase bilateral ties between the two countries.The two visits to India by former foreign minister of Mexico Marcelo Ebrard 2022 and 2023 outlined new areas of cooperation, particularly in science and technology and health. To give an example, ImmunoAct, an Indian company, is collaborating with the Salvador Zubirán National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition (INCMNSZ), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) and AMEXCID to bring new cancer therapy to Mexico at a substantially lower price than other cancer therapies.

Marcelo Ebrard visits a cancer research facility in India — Marcelo Ebrard (far right) visited the ImmunoAct facility in Mumbai in March 2023. (LinkedIn/ImmunoACT)

During the most recent visit of former foreign minister Ebrard to India in March 2023, a MoU was signed for joint research in priority areas of hydraulics, electric mobility and low-cost vaccines.

The space industry is another potent area of collaboration between our two countries. Recently, India achieved an important feat by becoming the first country to land a space probe on the South Pole of the moon and only the fourth country ever to soft-land on moon. The world was surprised to learn that the cost of this project was just US $75 million. India also successfully sent an orbiter to Mars, which cost only US $73 million, showcasing the Indian space agency’s capability of launching highly cost-effective and successful projects. We already have a few memorandums of understanding between Mexico and India in the areas of remote sensing and forest fire management.

In the dynamic landscape of today’s globalized world, a robust relationship between India and Mexico holds paramount significance.

Both nations are pivotal players in their respective regions, and a strong partnership can contribute to a more balanced and diversified global order. By fostering closer economic ties, sharing technological advancements, and collaborating on regional and global issues, India and Mexico can collectively contribute to the stability of an increasingly interconnected world. Economically, closer India-Mexico ties open up vast opportunities for trade and investment. Both countries possess unique strengths and resources that complement each other. Collaborative efforts can result in job creation and bring overall economic prosperity for both the nations.

Lastly, the alignment of India and Mexico on shared values such as democracy, multiculturalism, and a commitment to international law provides a strong foundation for diplomatic cooperation. By working together on global issues ranging from climate change and sustainable development to global health challenges, we will contribute to the overall stability and progress of the global community.

TB: What is something that has surprised you about Mexico and Mexicans in your time here?

Students in a yoga class for India Day — The Ibero-American University in Mexico City held an “India Day” event to celebrate Indian culture in February. (IndEmbMex/X)

PS: I am grateful that my job gives me the opportunity to travel and experience life in different places. In Mexico, I am surprised by the sheer number of delicious tacos and no matter how hard I try, I can’t convince anyone to share their mole recipes with me. I guess that’s a well-guarded secret in Mexico! But in all seriousness, the warmth and kindness of people, the vibrant culture and the incredible landscapes leave me in awe of this great country.

TB: Many Mexicans are fascinated by Indian culture. What cultural ties between India and Mexico are you looking to promote or emphasize?

PS: It is quite heartening to witness Mexican admiration for Indian culture. India and Mexico are two ancient civilizations and we are proud of our history, culture and traditions. The Mexican Nobel Laureate and ambassador Octavio Paz beautifully captured these similarities in his writings. To further build upon this, there’s a need to weave a bond of shared experiences that transcends geographical boundaries.

One way we are bringing India closer to Mexico is through the Gurudev Tagore Indian Cultural Center. Not only have we opened the doors to our friends in Mexico to celebrate the Indian festivals together in Mexico City, but we have also brought various cultural troupes and organized cultural programs in different cities of Mexico to enable a deeper exploration of language, literature and traditional practices. I invite all my Mexican friends to be part of our celebrations and enjoy the various dance, yoga, music and other classes on offer.

India has been a regular participant of the Cervantino and Santa Lucia cultural festivals, as well as FINI (International Image Festival) and FIL (International Book Fair). Cultural engagements with local institutions are as important. We have a few major events planned in the coming weeks, such as an “India Day” in partnership with the Ibero-American University and an Indian film festival to be held in various cities of Mexico.

Our hope is to create a greater understanding that goes beyond stereotypes, forging a strong bridge between the people of India and Mexico. However, governments are just one part of this kind of cultural bonding. It is the people who are the real ambassadors of culture, and we are proud to have a vibrant Indian community living across Mexico, which has done commendable work in bringing the two countries closer.

For updates on Indian government initiatives in Mexico, follow the Embassy of India in Mexico on X.

This article is the third in Mexico News Daily’s “India in Focus” series. Read about the history of relations between India and Mexico here and their cultural similarities here.

Auto parts company Minth to invest US $173.5M in Aguascalientes

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MND Staff

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March 12, 2024

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shutterstock_2002876502 — One of the new plants will produce batteries for electric vehicles. (Shutterstock)

Minth México, a subsidiary of the Chinese auto parts company Minth Group, announced plans to build two new plants in the central state of Aguascalientes on Monday.

The two factories, one of which will produce batteries for electric vehicles, the other for paint processes, will generate about 1,600 jobs. Minth expects to invest US $173.5 million to build the plants.

Minth, headquartered in Ningbo, China, said the Aguascalientes state government was instrumental in laying the foundation for this expansion. (century3inc.de)

A company spokesman told reporters the new facilities will focus on producing battery housings and aluminum parts for electric vehicles, and will include state-of-the-art technologies that will allow for advanced paint injection and plastic molding techniques.

The decision to make the new investment came after state officials met with executives at the company’s headquarters in China.

As a result, Minth voiced “interest in continuing to collaborate to ensure the growth and sustainability of its operations in the state.”

Aguascalientes is a hub of the automotive industry in Mexico. There are 10 assembly plants in the north-central state, including two Nissan factories and a Cooperation Manufacturing Plant (Compas), a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Group and Nissan. Each company invested US $1 billion for the construction and operation of the plant.

Co-Production International (CPI), a certified ISO company that specializes in establishing and managing manufacturing operations in Mexico, is bullish on Aguascalientes.

CPI describes it as a “strong and mature manufacturing state … with a highly efficient and productive workforce with low turnover” while also pointing out that there has not been an industrial strike there in 48 years. Aguascalientes is also viewed as a financially secure location for investment. Standard and Poor’s and Fitch both rate the state as AA+, one step below the maximum rating of AAA, according to CPI.

Once operational, the new plants will bolster the state’s transition to a greener and more sustainable automotive industry by promoting clean technologies, according to the government. In conjunction with this expansion, the state is considering building housing developments that feature charging stations for electric vehicles.

State officials also said they are working with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) to build two new electrical sub-stations — one to be completed in August — to guarantee supply and attract new investors.

Minth Group, founded in Ningbo Xiaogang China, in 1992, opened its first facility in Mexico in 2009.

With reports from El Heraldo, El Sol del Centro and Mexico Now

The insider’s guide to investing in real estate in Guadalajara

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MND Staff

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March 12, 2024

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2018_THE_LANDMARK_SMA_WEB_RENDER_by_CGVeron_02 — Where you should invest in real estate in Guadalajara, as explained by Jalisco native Gabriela Solís. (Sordo Madaleno)

Guadalajara has become a popular destination for real estate investors in Mexico thanks to its pleasant weather, stable economy, and rich cultural and culinary offerings.

Home to over 5.2 million inhabitants, Jaslico’s capital is a cultural and business hub whose property value increased by 18.3% last year, with 16,557 units sold, reflecting the market’s strength and investment potential.

Guadalajara is an excellent investment option due to its geographical position: close to mountains, beaches and pueblos mágicos. (Unsplash)

As nearshoring continues to attract foreign companies and employees to Guadalajara —known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico — housing demand continues to increase.

This guide provides valuable insider tips from the perspective of a Guadalajara native (myself), to help you understand each neighborhood’s vibe and investment potential.

Why invest in real estate in Guadalajara?

Guadalajara offers world-class restaurants and international cultural and sporting events. Moreover, it is the birthplace of Mexico’s two most famous exports: tequila and mariachi.

In addition to being a bustling city in its own right, Guadalajara benefits from its proximity to popular tourist destinations such as the Pueblos Mágicos of Tequila and Chapala, mountain villages like Mazamitla and Tapalpa, and the world-renowned tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta. As a result, there is a consistent demand for properties in the region.

Which are the most popular neighborhoods to invest in Guadalajara?

Guadalajara’s urban area consists of 10 municipalities. However, everything that ‘happens’ in the city mainly concentrates on Zapopan and Guadalajara. Therefore, these two should be your top choices if you want to invest in housing. The other municipalities are primarily industrial hubs hosting industrial parks and artisan workshops.

Colonia Americana tops the ‘Time Out International’ index of the best neighborhoods in the world – for good reason. (Unsplash)

It’s also important to note that real estate prices in Zapopan are slightly higher than in Guadalajara. Although life in both towns happens seamlessly as if it were one and the two are referred to as Guadalajara, Zapopan is home to some of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city, and even in Latin America.

So without further ado, let’s find out more about the most popular neighborhoods in the city.

Colonia Americana, Guadalajara

Featuring art deco mansions, modern apartment buildings and plenty of bars and restaurants, the Colonia Americana neighborhood ranked No. 1 in Time Out magazine’s 2022 list of the 51 coolest neighborhoods in the world.

The neighborhood is close to attractions like Templo Expiatorio del Santísmo, Chapultepec’s weekend handicrafts market, the city’s Centro or Downtown districts, and the La Minerva roundabout.

According to Match Makers Real Estate, the Colonia Americana saw a 155% increase in capital gains over the past decade, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the city.

Price range: from US $180,000 to $1.2 million.

Colonia Chapalita, Guadalajara

This neighborhood is a perfect mix of old-fashioned charm and modern convenience, located right between Zapopan and Guadalajara. It’s an ideal area for families and bachelors alike.

Chapalita was the first neighborhood in the city to install absorption wells to collect rainwater, giving it autonomy over services like drinking water, pumping, and sewage. Collected rainwater is also used to maintain parks and gardens.

In recent years, capital gains on properties in the region have grown at an average rate of around 10% annually.

Price range: from US $295,000 to $650,000.

Colonia Providencia, Guadalajara

Colonia Providencia is fast becoming one of Guadalajara’s most lively neighborhoods. (Casas y Terrenos)

Providencia combines luxury homes, middle-class residences, and commercial areas. Some of its main avenues are lined with gourmet restaurants, yoga studios, banks, five-star hotels, and boutique shops.

The neighborhood is conveniently located between some of the city’s primary arterial roads for easy commuting. Providencia is also adjacent to Colinas de San Javier, one of the city’s most affluent residential neighborhoods.

One of its main attractions is its proximity to the 92-hectare urban park Bosque Los Colomos.

Price range: from US $295,000 to $1 million.

Ciudad Granja, Zapopan

This neighborhood is best known for Universidad Panamericana, a top private university that attracts many foreign students, who live in the surrounding apartments.

Ciudad Granja, has a unique vibe that makes it feel like a small town within the city. This area features middle-income gated communities, modern apartment buildings, and a spectacular pueblo-style street market. It also has commercial warehouses, offices, and retail stores.

The area has experienced an annual 15% increase in property value in the last five years.

Price range: from US $240,000 to $475,000

Solares, Zapopan

This residential area was one of the top searched neighborhoods on the real estate platform Propiedades.com in 2023. What started as a development on the city’s outskirts a decade ago, it is now a fully functional suburb, with nearby hospitals, prime private schools, supermarkets, and shopping malls.

Solares is ideal for families with young children. It is adjacent to Valle Real, the first upscale gated community in the northwest of Guadalajara.

Price range: from US $355,000 to $590,000

Zona Andares, Zapopan

This area sits within the Puerta de Hierro neighborhood. It offers modern apartments, upscale shopping malls such as Landmark and Andares, corporate buildings, a private hospital, a Hyatt hotel, gyms, and world-class spas.

Puerta de Hierro is one of the most prestigious areas in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area and Western Mexico in general, but an apartment here can be surprisingly affordable. (Marcos Angel Santa/Pinterest)

It is one of the most upscale areas in the city for entertainment and housing.

Price range: from US $300,000 to $1.7 million

Other considerations before investing in Guadalajara

According to the Jalisco Economic Development portal, more than 2,900 foreign companies from various sectors have invested in Jalisco, boosting the demand for housing within the city and the surrounding areas. This investment rush has made Jalisco the state with the second-highest housing sales nationwide, with an average of 3,000 homes sold per month.

Moreover, Guadalajara’s vertical growth has been one of the most dynamic in the country, with 189 vertical residential projects under construction.

The city is also a bustling hub for the tourism industry. According to the Guadalajara Visitors and Convention Bureau, the city’s tourism income grew 24.8% in 2023 compared to the previous years, boosting the hotel industry by 22%.

With this in mind, consider investing close to convention centers, business forums, or commercial areas, as they can increase the chance of attracting travelers seeking a convenient stay.

Gabriela Solís is a Mexican lawyer based in Dubai turned full-time writer. She covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her life in Dubai in her blog Dunas y Palmeras.

5 Mexico City must-visit museums off the beaten track

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Montserrat Castro

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March 12, 2024

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Mexico City is home to an impressive array of museums – a staggering 185 are within the capital. If you live in Mexico or have checked out Mexico City visitor guides, you’ve definitely heard of the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec, UNAM’s Contemporary Art Museum, the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Polanco’s Soumaya.

Aside from these iconic institutions, the city has many hidden gems that are worth a trip if you’re in the neighborhood. So, if you’re seeking unique cultural experiences off the beaten path, these quirky museums should be at the top of your itinerary.

Mundo Chocolate Museo (MUCHO) (Chocolate World Museum): Unravel the secrets of everybody’s favorite guilty pleasure

The Chocolate Museum allows visitors to learn about the origins of the of the cocoa plant and the evolution of the fruit to become chocolate as it is consumed today.

Imagine a museum whose sole purpose is for you to smell dozens of chocolate bars on the wall. Or another where you can appreciate chocolate sculptures made by professional chefs. Expect this and more if you visit the MUCHO, located in the central colonia Juárez.

Don’t worry, you will get to eat chocolate here! But that’s not all: you can also reserve a group spot to make your own chocolate in a cooking class or attend a variety of affordable and fun workshops throughout the year — Visitors this April can decorate their own chocolate Easter eggs.

Opening times: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Entrance: 500 pesos

Museo Anahuacalli: Explore Diego Rivera’s impressive pre-Hispanic collection

The name Anahuacalli means ‘house on land between two seas’ in Nahuatl.

Ever wanted to visit a museum whose structure was an art piece itself? Born out of muralist Diego Rivera’s desire to provide a unique space for his art collection, and as a planned (but ultimately unused) mausoleum for himself and Frida Kahlo, Anahuacalli’s design and architecture seek to recreate a teocalli, a pre-Hispanic temple. Made out of volcanic rock, its walls harbor 23 different rooms and a central patio.

Located in the intellectual heart of the city, Coyoacán, this museum exhibits a permanent collection of pre-Hispanic art once owned by Rivera. These pieces are all representative of the cultures that flourished in Mesoamerica before the arrival of the Spanish.

Also a cultural center, the Anahuacalli stages frequent theater performances and holds various cultural activities throughout the week, from choir practice to dance lessons, book clubs, and other workshops.

Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entrance: 100 pesos

Museo Kaluz: Discover the essence of Mexican culture and art through 5 centuries

Museo Kaluz has a wide variety of Mexican and foreign art from the 17th to the 21st century.

A seemingly random art collection that seeks to define “what is Mexican” through four main themes: landscape, dead nature, portraits, and genre art.

Not actually random at all, however, this museum has a wide variety of Mexican and foreign art from the 17th to the 21st century, including a vast body of work from Spanish exiles who came to Mexico after their Civil War.

Kaluz is only three years old and the soul of what once was the Hotel del Cortés, a hostel dating the year 1620 located in the streets of the historic center. Apart from galleries, the museum also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a rooftop from which you can appreciate the beautiful downtown and its surroundings.

Every month they hold workshops, talks, classes, and other cultural activities in line with Kaluz’s artistic mission.

Opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entrance: 60 pesos, free on Wednesdays

National Museum of Popular Cultures: Celebrating Mexico’s rich cultural heritage

The National Museum of Popular Cultures is located in Coyoacán. It is a space where popular and indigenous culture is preserved and promoted.

This museum is a space that studies, preserves, and celebrates indigenous and popular culture. Its exhibitions are temporary and varying in size, but always look to spread awareness of popular and indigenous Mexican art.

Located in Coyoacán’s bustling main square, the museum is an ideal addition to trips to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, or Diego Rivera’s Anahuacalli.

The current exhibition, entitled “Zapata Lives!” runs until March 26 and is dedicated to one of the most important political and social movements in the last 40 years of Mexican history: the Zapatista movement.

Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entrance: 18 pesos, free for over 60s and under-13s. Free on Sundays.

Museo del Estanquillo: Mexico’s cultural tapestry through the lens of a literature trailblazer

TheMuseo del Estanquillo is made up of more than 20,000 pieces, including photographs, paintings, drawings, engravings, scores, caricatures, miniatures and models.

Located in a beautifully grand corner building in the historical center of the city, this museum is made for lovers of literature, art, and Mexican history alike. It exhibits over ten thousand pieces of work that comprise the collection of contemporary Mexican writer Carlos Monosiváis. This includes engravings, manuscripts, sculptures, photographs, and historical documents. The collection features multiple other artists and writers and serves as a chronicle of Mexico’s social and political history.

The current exhibition, “Cartoons and Revolution,” talks about the importance that satirical expression had before and during the revolution. A collection of drawings, prints, oil paintings, and photographs, among others, will be up until the end of April of this year.

Opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entrance: Free

Montserrat Castro Gómez is a freelance writer and translator from Querétaro, México.

Another Chinese car manufacturer has plans to build a plant in Mexico

By

MND Staff

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March 11, 2024

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A Jaecoo vehicle on display at a launch event in February near Mexico City. (Jaecoo México/Instagram)

Another Chinese carmaker has announced its plans to build a production facility in Mexico this year, soon after statements confirming that electric vehicle manufacturer BYD will build a plant in the country.

Jaecoo, owned by Chery Automobile Company, is looking at Durango and México state as potential locations for a new plant, according to an interview published by Milenio newspaper with Shawn Xu, Vice President International of Chery and CEO of Jaecoo International. He said the company seeks to export the cars produced in Mexico to other parts of the continent.

“Once installed, we will manufacture our vehicles and move them within the [domestic] market, and then possibly take them to other parts of the continent,” Xu said, adding that the brand “is here to stay.”

Chery is a car manufacturer founded in 1997 and headquartered in Wuhu, China. It entered the Mexican market in 2022 with the Chirey brand, followed by the Omoda brand in 2023.

This year, the company launched the Jaecoo brand, which includes the compact SUV Jaecoo 7 model. By Q2 or Q3 2024, it plans to launch a bigger SUV — the Jaecoo 8 — as the company is “confident” that the Mexican market will respond positively to its products.

“We have reports that the SUV market grew 10.8% in 2023 [in Mexico], which gives us an idea of what we can achieve,” Xu said.

Mexican actor and singer Alfonso Herrera stands next to a Jaecoo SUV — Mexican actor and singer Alfonso Herrera has taken on the brand ambassador role of “Mr. Jaecoo.” (Jaecoo.mx)

The company also plans to launch the Jaecoo 7 PHEV model, which, along with the Jaecoo 8, has a classic executive design which is different from that offered by Chery and Omoda.

Sales of Chinese cars in Mexico have been on an upward trend. In 2023, sales were up 63%, reaching a new record of over 129,000 Chinese units sold.

As for sales expectations, Gabriel Ríos, vice president of Jaecoo Mexico, told the newspaper Milenio that the company expects to sell between 5,000 and 8,000 units of the Jaecoo 7 model in 2024.

Miguel Mercado, head of after-sales at Jaecoo Mexico, explained that parts and logistics will be distributed in collaboration with logistics company DHL.

“In alliance with [DHL], we have more than 15,000 parts stored, in addition to a new warehouse of more than 6,000 square meters and with more than seven months of sales in inventory,” Mercado said.

Xu, in an interview with the newspaper Expansión, stated that Chery’s plan is to close the year with 40 total dealerships shared with the Omoda brand. This distribution strategy will enable Jaecoo to leverage Omoda’s already well-established infrastructure, allowing the brand to reach a larger pool of consumers.

As part of its new brand positioning strategy, the company has chosen Alfonso Herrera as its brand ambassador with the title “Mr. Jaecoo.” The Mexican actor and singer will appear in advertisements and will play a key role in the brand’s communication efforts.

With reports from Expansión and Milenio

Mexico’s archaeological sites prepare for spring equinox

By

MND Staff

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March 11, 2024

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Visitors gather at the Temple of Kukulcán in Chichén Itzá to witness the phenomenon of the spring equinox. — Visitors gather at the Temple of Kukulcán in Chichén Itzá to witness the phenomenon of the spring equinox in 2023. (Martín Zetina/Cuarotscuro.com)

The arrival of the spring equinox is a sight to behold at many archaeological sites in Mexico, including Chichén Itzá, where thousands are expected to gather to observe the event.

Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) said last week that 15,000-20,000 people are expected to visit the site in the state of Yucatán on March 20 and 21 to see what appears to be Kukulcán — a serpent deity of Maya mythology — slowly slithering its way down the northwest facade of the iconic El Castillo pyramid, aka the Temple of Kukulcán.

As the phenomenon continues for approximately 45 minutes, seven inverted isosceles triangles of shadow move around the pyramid until finally the light illuminates only the serpent’s feathered head.

Symbolically, the figure unites heaven, Earth and the underworld, as well as day and night. The ancient Maya — who were accomplished astronomers — believed that when Kukulcán appeared, it was to bless the crops and grant good health to worshipers.

Chichén Itzá, where a new Maya museum just opened, is just one of the many pre-Columbian sites in Mexico expected to receive an influx of visitors for the spring equinox, which will take place at 9:06 p.m. Mexican Central Time on March 19 — the moment when the sun is directly over the equator, and when night and day around the world are virtually the same length.

One site in Yucatán that won’t be open is Dzibilchaltún, where the sunrise creates striking images at the Temple of the Seven Dolls. However, the site has been closed since Jan. 30 for construction of a museum and visitor center, INAH reminded the public last week.

The pyramid of Dzibilchaltún — Dzibilchaltún, another popular equinox-viewing site in Yucatán, is closed this year. (Mauricio Marat/INAH)

INAH suggested that people visit other pre-Columbian sites that will be open to visitors in the state, such as Kabah, Oxkintok, Aké, Uxmal and Labná, in addition to Chichén Itzá.

Other popular sites for spring equinox observation include Teotihuacán in México state; Cholula in Puebla; Monte Albán in Oaxaca; and Cuicuilco, Templo Mayor and Cerro de la Estrella (Mountain of the Star) in Mexico City.

At Oxkintok, the light of the afternoon sun passes through a portal and creates a halo on the floor precisely in the middle of an arc — a solar calibrator just as Maya astronomers/priests designed it to indicate the changing of the seasons.

Oxkintok, one of the oldest sites of the Puuc region, was inhabited from the Preclassic period (300 B.C. – A.D. 250) through the Late Postclassic (A.D. 1250-1500), reaching its principal importance between A.D. 475 and 859.

With reports from El Universal, PorEsto and Infobae

AMLO calls police killing of Ayotzinapa student ‘an abuse of authority’

By

MND Staff

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March 11, 2024

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Students from the Ayotzinapa Normalist School march with a coffin in Chilpancingo, Guerrero — Students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College march at the funeral of a classmate who was shot by police in Chilpancingo last week. (Dassaev Téllez Adame/Cuartoscuro.com)

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Monday that a student who authorities say was killed by state police in Guerrero last week “did not shoot,” and therefore “there was an abuse of authority.”

“The file is already in the hands of the [federal] Attorney General’s Office [FGR], and we are not going to allow any interference [or] temptation to defend those responsible,” AMLO stated at his morning press conference, or mañanera, at the National Palace.

Last Thursday around 9:30 p.m., a 23-year-old student at the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College in Tixtla, Guerrero, was reportedly shot by police in the state capital of Chilpancingo at a checkpoint attempting to find stolen cars.

Yanqui Khotan Gómez Peralta was one of two students in a pickup truck heading toward Chilpancingo that was reported as stolen, according to a statement from the Guerrero Ministry of Public Security (SSP). A third person in the vehicle, allegedly a Nissan Frontier, reportedly had exited before the checkpoint.

The statement also said that police came under fire when they approached the truck.

According to the online newspaper Sin Embargo, which cited a medical report, the deceased student “had a bullet in the head, in the manner of execution.”

Parents of Ayotzinapa 43 kidnapping victims protesting at Mexico's senate — Parents of the Ayotzinapa 43 protest outside the Mexican Senate in February. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)

The incident occurred one day after a protest by Ayotzinapa students at Mexico City’s National Palace, in which a Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) pickup truck was used as a battering ram. The protest was related to the 2014 disappearance and presumed murder of 43 male students who were studying at Ayotzinapa to become teachers.

Gómez reportedly participated in pilgrimages to Mexico City, where students from the Ayotzinapa school and their supporters have staged protests.

Guerrero government officials asserted last week that there was no concerted effort on the part of state police to go after students from the Ayotzinapa school.

“I am very, very sorry for what happened” in this incident, López Obrador said Monday morning. “An investigation has already been launched to punish those responsible and I send my condolences to family and friends. We are not going to allow impunity. Those responsible are going to be punished.”

He also mentioned that police officers have been detained in relation to the incident.

Meanwhile, the National Front for Rural Normalist Graduates (FNENR) said the state police “tried to disappear the body and the injured colleague [Osiel Faustino Jimón Dircio], because they did not wait” for the Forensic Medical Service (SEMEFO) to arrive at the scene.

Moreover, the group claimed, “the truck was transferred with everything and [the dead] body to the corralón,” or police impound lot.

Additionally, FNENR accused the state government of defaming and criminalizing the deceased “by telling the media that they were [carrying] drugs and weapons.”

With reports from El Universal, Sin Embargo and Milenio

Tradition, flavor and art unite the cultures of Mexico and India

By

Bethany Platanella

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March 11, 2024

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Diwali and Day of the Dead — India and Mexico share many similarities in terms of culture, traditions, food, art and spirituality. (Canva)

When I relocated from Miami to Mexico, I was shocked at how little I knew about the culture, from religion to art to medicine.

To make sense of it all, I started inevitably comparing it to other countries. What are the quintessential elements of Mexican culture?

Both Mexican and Indian art share visual narrative, expressive figuration, attention to detail, and vivid color. (Unsplash)

Bright art and patterned textiles
Colorful cuisine that uses a variety of chiles and spices
A deep commitment to family and tradition
Ancient gods and goddesses weaved into monotheistic religion
Ancient medicinal practices with an emphasis on natural remedies
A distinct social class system

All of which sounds like…India!

Pankaj Sharma, India’s Ambassador to Mexico, said in an interview with Mexico News Daily that “India and Mexico are two ancient civilizations that are proud of their history, culture and traditions.”

To determine the similarities between these age-old cultures, I spoke with an artist, a yoga instructor, a chef, a mushroom expert and a news media entrepreneur, MND’s very own Tamanna Bembenek.

Let’s start with art

Jane Zweiger, a visual artist from New York, has studied and exhibited all over the world. Before moving to Mexico a year and a half ago to live and paint, she spent a month with master artisans in India to study the art of Pattachitra painting.

“Both Mexican and Indian art share visual narrative, expressive figuration, attention to detail and vivid color,” Jane says, adding that “Mexican ex-voto paintings are spiritual and religious in nature, often depicting miracles and saints. Indian Pattachitra paintings depict spiritual images of multiple deities, as well as mythological beings and folklore.”

Jane’s paintings are bright, bold and symbolic, so it’s no surprise that she’s been heavily “influenced by the vibrant colors of Mexican art.” The abundance of folk art produced in both countries celebrates storytelling in a way that is clearly “spiritual but also grounded in the everyday”.

What is the “everyday” grounded in, exactly?

The role of community

According to Tamanna, it’s grounded in community.

Tamanna, who was born in India, gave me a fascinating masterclass on bold colors, spicy food, spirituality and tradition, showing me that the Mexican and Indian cultures are far more alike than they are different.

Tamanna sees a lot in Mexico that reminds her of home. Witnessing people of all ages interacting together in parks and public squares, dancing, singing and talking, brings her back to her childhood in India. The central role of relationships weaves the two cultures together and it’s common to see family and friends “spending time together, eating, socializing, [and] celebrating small to large events.”

A reverence for elders is prevalent in Mexico, as it is in India. For her, it’s comforting to watch youth speak and act respectfully towards the elderly, regardless of whether they are a member of the family, friends of the family or complete strangers.

The “everyday” is also grounded in aesthetics.

Surrounded by flora and fungi

Both Tamanna and Yosef Zur, an Ashtanga teacher based in Tulum, mentioned plants as a visual theme. In countries like the United States and Canada, where houseplants can be costly, it’s not as common to fill your home with flowers and trees. In Mexico and India, however, they’re everywhere.

“Banana trees, papaya trees, containers full of plants all around the house, on roofs…it doesn’t matter if you’re poor, you still have plants!” Yosef smiles as he describes this “desire to bring beauty to the community” as one of the common links between Mexican and Indian culture.

Plant medicine also plays a deep role in Mexican and Indian societies. India has been reliant on Ayurveda to prevent and treat various medical ailments for thousands of years, using herbs such as turmeric, cumin and triphala. In Mexico, herbs like achiote, cinnamon and oregano are often used in addition to, or in lieu of, Western medical treatments. According to Biodiversidad Mexicana, 80% of Mexico’s population uses herbs and plants as medicine and, like India, has integrated their use into its modern health system.

In the same vein, India and Mexico share the perfect microclimate and biodiversity to cultivate another medicinal staple: mushrooms. Dennis Walker, a Mexico-based mycologist and owner of Mycopreneur, states that both countries are home to “numerous identical psychoactive and medicinal mushroom species. An example of this includes Ganoderma lucidum – more popularly known as Reishi.”

And because “native tribes traditionally placed greater emphasis on oral transmission of sacred knowledge rather than written documentation,” there is still plenty to discover.

A devotion to flavor

Herbs and spices aren’t used only for treating ailments, as we know quite well living in Mexico.

Food, from its color to its communal significance, bridges an ocean’s gap between Mexico and India. Alberto Harwy, head chef of Taller Xilotl in Mexico City, says “To speak about these two cultures is to speak about strength. Both cultures are intense, ancient and full of color and smells.”

He compares mole to curry, a dish that is so widely respected in each country that it is imbibed with almost a religious reverence. Alberto and his Indian culinary partner Anshul also mention the ubiquitous presence of street food, a concept that is fundamental to city life in both countries.

Indian food has similarities with Mexican food because of the use of some ingredients, such as chili, spices and herbs. (Unsplash)

Alberto mentions that the chile de árbol is a staple ingredient in both cuisines, along with spices like cumin, coriander, cloves and cinnamon. To make all these tasty dishes, Mexican and Indian cooks rely heavily on clay cookware, wooden spatulas, and mortar and pestles to grind spices and make sauces.

Moreover, food plays a significant role in the preservation of ancient traditions, specifically altars. Colorful altars can be found everywhere, from houses to street corners, and often contain edible offerings for deceased loved ones and the gods.

And to God(s)?

Both Mexico and India are known for syncretism, the incorporation of multiple religions into one. While Mexico is a largely monotheistic Catholic nation since the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s, locals managed to weave in Indigenous rituals that honor their multiple pre-Columbian gods. Every fall, Mexico itself turns into a colorful altar of marigolds in celebration of Day of the Dead.

India is a melting pot of many religions, including Hinduism and Sikhism. Hinduism is a polytheistic belief system of sorts — there are many deities which are manifestations of one god Brahman — and Sikhism is a syncretistic blend of Hinduism and Muslim worshiping one god. Still, Diwali is a country-wide celebration of joy, light and the goddess Lakshmi, characterized for its abundance of — you’ll never guess — marigolds.

All of this feels a little mystical, doesn’t it?

Although with different beliefs, the people of India and Mexico share spirituality. (Unsplash)

There is an energy in Mexico, just like there is an energy in India, that is strong and tangible. How does it feel to visit Chichén Itzá? Varanasi? Powerful, right? These are locations deemed sacred by Indigenous cultures for their spiritual energy, and millions of visitors are lured to discover their intrigue every year.

So what’s the ultimate thread that ties together India and Mexico? You could answer this question in a variety of ways. Culture, tradition, food, art, color, spirituality, family.

If you ask my opinion, though, I’d say, it’s magic.

This article is part of Mexico News Daily’s “India in Focus” series. Read the other articles from the series here.

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.

Foreign tourist arrivals up 3.6% in January 2024

By

MND Staff

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March 11, 2024

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Tourists enjoy a Sunday walk on Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro.com)

Government data show Mexico’s tourism industry continues to rebound from COVID-19 pandemic levels, with visits from international travelers in January up 3.6% over the same month a year ago.

Although the number of international visitors was down compared to December — traditionally the most popular month to visit Mexico — the year-on-year increase continues last year’s trend in which each month surpassed the number of arrivals from the year before.

The national statistics agency INEGI reported that 3.64 million international tourists entered the country last month, up slightly from January 2023 when 3.51 million foreign visitors came to Mexico. These same international visitors spent US $2.94 billion during their stay, 4.6% better than what foreign tourists spent a year ago — $2.81 billion.

Overall arrivals from abroad, including Mexican citizens, also rose year-on-year in January. INEGI reported 6.48 million arrivals in January 2023 and 6.78 million in January this year, an increase of 4.6%.

The overall hike in arrivals was also spurred by a surge in Mexicans taking international flights or crossing the border. More than 4.95 million Mexican residents traveled abroad in January, up 20.3% over January 2023 (4.1 million). These numbers include those who simply crossed the border for a day-visit.

As for Mexican tourists (those who cross the border and spent at least one night outside the country), 1.59 million traveled abroad in January of this year as compared to 1.33 million last January.

Millions visit the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City for the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe in December. (Gobierno CDMX/Cuartoscuro.com)

When compared to December figures (7.9 million total arrivals), tourism in January saw a slight decline but that is because the year-end holidays and the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 attract so many visitors.

February — though with an extra day this year — normally sees a decline in tourism compared to January, while March, because of spring break when U.S. students flock to Mexican beaches, is usually the third-best month for tourism, behind December and January.

With reports from La Jornada

China Southern Airlines to launch first nonstop flight to Mexico City

By

MND Staff

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March 11, 2024

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China Southern airplanes at the airport in Guangzhou, China — China Southern airplanes at the airline's headquarters in Guangzhou, China. (Tianlei Wu/Unsplash)

China’s largest airline is preparing to launch its first nonstop service to Mexico City, part of a broader strategy to capitalize on the growing demand for travel and trade between China and Latin American countries.

China Southern Airlines, headquartered in Guangzhou, expects the first flight to the Mexican capital to depart on April 17, an airline spokesman said. From April 22 through Oct. 26, there will be two flights per week — originating in Shenzhen, in southern China — according to media reports in China.

The 16-hour, 14,147-kilometer (8,790 miles) Shenzhen-Mexico City flight will be among the longest regular routes in the world.The announcement highlights China’s desire to enhance connectivity with Mexico, viewed as a gateway to the Americas. The return leg of the flight will have a stopover in Tijuana.

The inauguration of this new route, despite the logistical difficulties — Mexico City’s altitude makes long-distance flight problematic as fully-loaded planes can’t draw as much power to take off — is a signal of the importance Mexico holds for China’s economy.

China’s direct investment in Mexico reached US $587 million in 2022, the highest on record, according to Mexico’s Economy Ministry (SE). Two-way trade is up 38% since 2019, representing a strong rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, as China has been sending increasing quantities of goods to Mexico.

Chinese companies have been moving some operations to Mexico in response to strained China-United States relations. Tesla’s Chinese suppliers are planning to build factories in Mexico and China’s top electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, is soon to follow suit. BYD is based in Shenzhen.

A flight takes off from the airport in Shenzhen, China. — A flight takes off from Shenzhen, China. (Unsplash)

The new Shenzhen-Mexico City flight will be a further benefit as Chinese companies have been seeking ways to sidestep Washington while nearshoring operations to Mexico and gaining access to the world’s biggest economy.

Meanwhile, direct flights between China and the U.S. shrunk to 100 per week — down from 340 per week — since the pandemic.

The new route comes soon on the heels of Xi Jinping’s November statement that China would look to strengthen ties with receptive trade partners, and the first in-person meeting between Xi and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at the APEC summit. China’s president specifically called for increased trade with Mexico in areas such as finance, electric vehicles and other emerging industries.

Mexico’s tourism sector is also likely to benefit from the new route and other potential expansions, such as the reactivation of the Beijing-Tijuana route via Hainan Airlines. Mexican government data indicate that the number of Chinese visitors to Mexico is approaching pre-pandemic levels, with 161,300 arrivals in 2023.

With reports from BNN Breaking and Reforma