Mexico: Logistics and Transport Platform of the World
By Rogelio Montemayor Morineau
Mexico aims to become the great logistics and transport platform of the world. It has the ideal conditions to accomplish this goal where the different modes of transportation come together with a systematic vision: face the global trend of the increasingly demanding markets.
Nowadays, “collaboration and integration” are key words to confront a world of accelerated transformations, where the way of doing things has changed. Diversification takes greater strength in the increasingly reduced distance and close relationship between the regions of our planet.
In the world of trade in which markets and economies seek the most efficient methods of exchanging goods, trade considers precisely the integration and collaboration of its elements to integrate an efficient and modern system of transport and logistics.
This is why the Mexican Council of Transport and Logistics (CMET) was conceived, believing and accepting different modes of transportation can coexist and are integrated into the system of global trade for the most demanding markets. The efficient mobility of goods and people in a country is fundamental to its evolution.
Mexico has the opportunity to become a great platform of transport and logistics worldwide. The organizations inside the CMET aim to develop the ideal systems to position Mexico as a world leader in logistics with a competitive edge where all the modes of transportation complement each other to become more efficient.
This year I have the honor to lead a council taking on the challenges of developing the best transportation system in our country able to become a logistics epicenter of global trade which is why it so important to define inter- and multi-modal policies.
In this great challenge, the participation of government authorities, legislators and stakeholders must work together to establish a comprehensive policy that establishes logistics, infrastructure and transportation to achieve the goal.
The transportation sector is a critical strategy in our country’s economy and demands creation of a legal instrument that allows the country to enhance our strengths creates the foundation for a great logistics platform that will lead Mexico to become a relevant player partner worldwide.
Mexico shares more than 1,800 miles of border with the United States world’s largest economy and 6,000 miles of coastline in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Mexico also has more than 12 foreign trade agreements with 46 countries (FTAs), 32 Invest Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPAs) with 33 countries, and nine Economic Complementation and Partial Scope Agreements within the framework of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), and it is a member of Association Treaty Transpacific (TPP).
Furthermore, Mexico participates actively in international and multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Our industry requires new models of development. We must change in order to change existing paradigms and pursue excellence to meet market demands. The various modes of cargo transportation gives us a dynamic economy that moves 936 million tons annually:
Road transportation – 55.9 percent
Rail transportation – 12.8 percent
Maritime transportation – 31.2 percent
Air transportation – one percent
We have strong and thriving commercial activity and a positive trade balance. It is essential to generate conditions of connectivity and infrastructure for each mode of transportation in order to decrease the time to move goods and people. We believe the Congress should take action on this matter, designing the legislation to promote public policies, making possible the correct operation of a process for international multi-modal transportation in Mexico.
Industrial activity in Mexico shows accelerated growth. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture and tourism remain positive and constantly developing which is why Mexican companies demand better quality and competitive cost efficiencies in the national transportation system to support the production volumes of our country.
The chambers and associations integrating the Mexican Council of Transport and Logistics are enthusiastically promoting the great effort to make Mexico a major global logistics center.
Certainly this project will have a positive impact on the economy and generate high productivity and opportunities. Transportation would be an essential part of the integration of supply chain.
This is the vision of the Mexican Council of Transport and Logistics. For these reasons we want to continue transporting the country’s goods and keep moving forward to reach our full potential for development and prosperity.
Members of the Mexican Council of Transport and Logistics:
Asociación Mexicana de Ferrocarriles (AMF), Railways Asociación Mexicana de Mensajería y Paquetería (AMMPAC), LTL Cámara Mexicana de la Industria del Transporte Marítimo (CAMEINTRAM), Maritime Cámara Nacional de Aerotransportes (CANAERO), Air Cámara Nacional del Autotransporte de Carga (CANACAR), Trucking Cámara Nacional del Autotransporte de Pasaje y Turismo (CANAPAT), Passenger Transportation
Rogelio Montemayor Morineau is president of the Mexican Council of Transport and Logistics (CMET) and the Cámara Nacional del Autotransporte de Carga (CANACAR)