Estados Unidos Mexicanos in Spanish or The United Mexican States or Mexico commonly used by most of us connects its border with the northern and western hemisphere. Mexico lies in North America intersecting borders with Belize, Guatemala, the United States and the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. Its capital Mexico City is famous for being the heart of the cultural, economic, and industrial center of the country.
The Mexican economy is dependent on different industrial sectors. The automotive industry plays a major role due to its standard of quality and global recognition. Few other major industries are cement, alcohol beverage and now Mexico is also focusing on developing the aerospace industry, petrochemicals, mining, and consumer durables. The tourism industry is also a major player in the growing economy because of its cultural heritage and architecture. (History.Com, 2009)
In 1986 Mexico became a member of the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT) and now is also affiliated with World Trade Organization (WTO) which helps resolve trade disputes between US and Mexico through proper negotiations. Mexico has signed 12 free trade agreements with 44 countries. Mexico is more inclined towards exports. Its trade is highly dependent upon the U.S including electronic, vehicles and automobiles parts, petroleum, and chemicals. (History.Com, 2009)
To cater to the need of almost 100 million population, Mexico imports consumer products. The domestic market of Mexico provides great opportunities for many investors. Major import items are used in the automotive industry, metalworking machines, steel mill products, agriculture and education sector, health care, electrical and power equipment, aircraft parts, engineering, and development of infrastructure.
The CIA World Factbook gives some interesting comparisons of the Mexican infrastructure about other countries. From a technological and communicational perspective, Mexico is doing fairly well and ranks 15 for telephone connections and 13 for mobile phone connections in the world. This information is important since telecommunications form the basis for the installation of further infrastructure and helps in the maintenance of other infrastructure. Also in the field of internet connections, Mexico registers on number 15 on the list which is a reputable number. As technology is being improved, it is becoming imperative for logistic handlers to integrate this technology into their operations as well. (CIA, 2008)
Mexico has the 3rd largest number of airports in the world at 1848 airports spread throughout the country. Although most of these airports aren’t international and nor do they have paved runways, they are ideal and less costly alternatives for logistic companies to transport their goods from one point to another. (CIA, 2008)
On land, Mexico loses out some of its expertise as compared to other countries in the world. Being large, Mexico is ranked as having the 20th best roadway system in the world which may not be good enough for many land transportation agencies. Similar is the case with the railway network that connects Mexico to the world being ranked 167th best. (CIA, 2008)
From the seaside, Mexico lands further off the list with being ranked 35th in waterways but more importantly only ranks 67th in merchant marine which is the base of most sea-based logistics. (CIA, 2008)
Mexico seems to have an apt infrastructure that can support its high population. However, it is the same area that Mexico needs to improve to attract foreign agents to pass their goods through Mexico. Furthermore, the waterways need a lot of improvement for Mexico to attain a high level of sea transport which is essential for a good logistics base.
Works Cited
CIA. Mexico. World Fact Book. Web.
David, P. & Stewart, R. (2007). International Logistics. Mason, OH: Thomson
History. All about Mexico. Web.