Peter Roberts
Chief Executive Officer, Americas
Jones Lang LaSalle
One of the major themes of the World Economic Forum is the effort by countries to harness their resources and make the most of their potential – both economically and socially. That theme was front and center in a meeting a small group of us had with Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon.
Mexico is a country whose future is critically important to us in the Americas. Not only does the firm have a strong and growing business there, but more than 80 percent of that country’s exports go to the United States, many of which are destined for our U.S.-based clients. A vibrant Mexico is important to clients throughout the Americas – indeed, throughout the world.
I came away from the session with President Calderon feeling positive about his country’s prospects and about our firm’s commitment to Mexico.
It’s clear that Mexico is intently focused on growing its economy, improving the quality of life for its population, and attracting investment. The country has made a major investment in education over the past decade. A little known fact: Mexico graduates more engineers annually than does Germany!
President Calderon also recognizes the need for Mexico to remain competitive from a labor standpoint. There is legislation currently winding its way through Mexico’s Congress which will increase the flexibility of Mexican labor laws. Finally, President Calderon recognizes the importance of Mexico being viewed as a positive investment destination, where the rule of law is supreme. In fact, when Calderon took office, there were 6,000 members of the Federal police force. Today, there are 36,000.
Challenges remain – what country doesn’t have challenges? – but hearing from President Calderon directly gave me confidence about the future and confidence about the prospects of our more than 400 colleagues in the Mexico.