Guanajuato Puerto Interior was the venue for the First Human Resources Colloquium 2024, an event that brought together prominent leaders from the automotive sector to discuss key issues regarding the competitiveness of land and wages. The colloquium stood out for its focus on collaboration between the government and businesses, a distinguishing feature of Guanajuato.
Competitiveness in Land and Wages Panel
One of the central moments of the colloquium was the Competitiveness in Land and Wages panel, with the participation of Rolando Alaniz Rosales, Honorary President of the Guanajuato Automotive Cluster; Rodrigo Arciniegas, Director of Catch Consulting; Atzayactl Peñaloza Cuevas, Principal at Mercer, GDL, Bajío, and Northwestern Border; and Ramón Alfaro Gómez, Secretary of Sustainable Economic Development of Guanajuato.
Atzayactl Peñaloza Cuevas highlighted that Mexico ranks as the country with the lowest unemployment rate in the Americas, at 2.7%, with Guanajuato even lower at 2.4%. This low unemployment rate is a positive indicator of the region's economic stability and growth.
Rolando Alaniz Rosales mentioned that the automotive industry in Guanajuato is in full expansion, with the need for 2,500 new workers in the next three months due to increasing market demands. This growth reflects the dynamism and importance of the automotive sector in the local economy.
Ramón Alfaro Gómez emphasized the close collaboration between the government and businesses in Guanajuato, a relationship that has been crucial for the state's economic development. He pointed out that effective communication and government support have been key factors in attracting investments and creating jobs.
During his speech, Alfaro also discussed the phenomenon of Nearshoring, a process that began in 1995 with the arrival of General Motors and has continued to this day. This phenomenon has been driven by the Free Trade Agreement with the United States and Canada, attracting numerous international companies to the state, including significant investments from Japanese companies such as Mazda, Honda, and Toyota.
The secretary highlighted the growing interest of Chinese and Korean companies in establishing themselves in Guanajuato, which is driving market diversification and innovation in sectors such as the medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic clusters. This diversification is essential to maintaining competitive wages and promoting sustainable development in the region.
Adaptation and Preparation for the Future
Alfaro emphasized the importance of adaptation and proactive preparation for future challenges. He stressed that the government and businesses must be preventive and have a long-term vision to seize opportunities and face market transitions, especially in the automotive sector, which is currently undergoing a crucial energy transition.
The First Human Resources Colloquium 2024 at Guanajuato Puerto Interior not only served as a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences but also reaffirmed Guanajuato’s commitment to sustainable economic development and global competitiveness. With strong collaboration between the government and the private sector, the state is well-positioned to continue its growth and leadership in the automotive industry and other emerging sectors.