Yucatán Advances Toward Industrialization
written by Yucatan Times October 24, 2025 0 comment
Yucatán is moving steadily toward industrialization through the Mayan Renaissance economic model, a transformative vision promoted by Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena that seeks to spark the state’s orderly and sustainable development, stated Milo Barrera Novelo, Secretary of Economy and Labor.
The official explained that this model promotes the creation of industrial corridors, attracts strategic investments, and generates better-paying jobs, all within a framework of planning and environmental respect.
Barrera Novelo emphasized that this project includes investments of more than 49 billion pesos in infrastructure projects, such as the modernization of the Port of Progreso, the operation of the Mayan Train for freight transportation, and the expansion of the metropolitan ring road.
“The dredgers are already working at the port, progress is being made on the industrial corridors, and this will allow us to attract companies of the future, not of the past,” the secretary stated.
He specified that the state will have four industrial corridors: from Umán to Kanasín, from Umán to Hunucmá, from Hunucmá to Progreso, and from the Chichén Itzá International Airport to Valladolid.
Each one will have specific vocations, ranging from manufacturing and logistics to agribusiness and aeronautics.
“We are pursuing the industries of the future: aerospace, energy, agribusiness, textiles, and technology. Yucatán is no longer competing for maquilas; we are competing for investments that generate value, knowledge, and quality employment,” the secretary continued.
Regarding employment, Barrera Novelo emphasized that Yucatán registered more than 6,000 new formal jobs in September alone and maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, at 2.7%.
“We have better figures than countries like Germany or Canada. This shows that the Yucatecan economy is strongly consolidating,” he said.
He added that state inflation remains under control, at around 3.2%, reflecting economic stability and business confidence.
“Since we began this administration, we have worked to reduce inflation, and today we are close to the national target. This is a reflection of the coordinated work with the Federal Government and the private sector,” he noted.
The Secretary affirmed that the success of events such as Yucatán Week in Mexico, which this year brought together more than 110,000 attendees and 270 exhibitors, demonstrates the strength of the local productive sector and the national interest in the state’s products.
“It was a resounding success and shows that Yucatecan micro, small, and medium-sized businesses are ready to compete both domestically and internationally,” he said.
He also announced that several large-scale investments related to energy, advanced manufacturing, and logistics will be announced soon.
“We like to announce things when they are already happening. There are projects underway that will transform the state’s productive structure,” he concluded.
Manuela Cocom promotes an initiative to protect the lives of motorcyclists in Yucatán.
Believing that protecting life must be the cornerstone of all public policy, Manuela Cocom Bolio, a representative from the National Action Party (PAN), presented an initiative to the State Congress that seeks to harmonize state legislation with federal standard NOM-206-SCFI/SSA2-2018, to make the use of certified helmets mandatory for motorcyclists in Yucatán.
During her speech, the legislator noted that hundreds of Yucatecans use motorcycles every day as a work tool and a means of family support, and that in many homes, they are the only accessible form of transportation. “Motorcycles are not a luxury; they are the vehicle that thousands of families use to get ahead; that’s why we must care for and protect them,” she stated.
Cocom Bolio emphasized that, according to official data, more than 120 motorcyclists have lost their lives so far this year in Yucatán, representing more than 50% of the fatalities from road accidents in the state.
“The scientific evidence is clear: wearing a certified helmet reduces the risk of death by more than 40% and the risk of serious injury by 70%. If a measure like this saves even one life, it will be worth it,” he emphasized.
The initiative proposes:
• Mandating the use of certified helmets in state law.
• Applying clear penalties for those who fail to comply.
• Giving drivers and businesses a 90-day period to gradually adapt.
• Empowering state and municipal authorities to verify and monitor compliance.
• Implementing awareness and road safety education campaigns coordinated by the Ministry of Public Security and city governments.
The PAN representative emphasized that this proposal does not seek to punish, but rather to prevent and raise awareness about the importance of road safety. “Protecting life should never be optional; it must be a shared commitment between citizens and authorities,” she stated.
Cocom Bolio called on his fellow legislators to support this measure, which he described as an act of social justice and public responsibility. “We want Yucatán to be a national example of awareness and respect for life. We want every motorcyclist to return home safe and sound,” he concluded.
Governor Díaz Mena urges everyone to remain vigilant during hurricane season.
During the State Roundtable for the Construction of Peace and Security in Yucatán, Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena called for continued vigilance and continued vigilance during the rainy season and tropical cyclone season.
The State Leader urged alertness to any threat to the state and to spare no effort in prevention, coordination, and preparation in case any impact were to occur.
In this regard, the director of the State Coordination of Civil Protection of Yucatán (Procivy), Hernán Alejandro Hernández Rodríguez, reported that tropical storm Melissa is being continuously monitored, and that, so far, it poses no danger to the state, based on its trajectory.
Although forecasts do not indicate a trajectory toward the state, the state official indicated that preventive actions have already been initiated, as instructed by the Governor.
Governor Díaz Mena reiterated the importance of maintaining inter-institutional coordination to preserve security levels in the state.
“Yucatán continues to be one of the safest states in the country, maintaining levels of tranquility that are a national example, and this is thanks to the coordinated work between institutions,” stated the governor.
Likewise, the Governor recognized the work of the Ministry of Public Security and the Federal Forces for their actions of outreach to citizens and for strengthening trust in institutions.
Finally, he thanked the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, for the unconditional support she has provided to Yucatán through strategic projects that strengthen the state.
Cruise Ships in Yucatán Spike by 82%,
Progreso benefits from having the world’s longest pier, stretching four miles into the Gulf of Mexico Yucatán Magazine Oct12, 2025
Despite a sagging overall economy, one bright spot remains at Puerto Progreso. Between January and August this year, the port welcomed 102 cruise ships and more than 311,000 passengers, generating an estimated $14.9 million in economic impact for the region.
The numbers represent an 82.1% increase in vessels and 68.7% jump in visitors compared to the same period in 2024, positioning the port as one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cruise destinations.
The growth comes as cruise tourism booms across Mexico, with the country recording 5.6 million cruise passengers in the first half of 2025—an 8.4% increase nationally.
Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena traveled to Miami this week to meet with executives from major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships and expand Yucatán’s presence in Caribbean maritime tourism.
During his meeting with André Pousada, Regional Vice President of Government Relations for Latin America at Royal Caribbean, officials highlighted Mexico’s role as a cornerstone of regional tourism growth and discussed the cruise line’s commitment to sustainable development at port destinations.
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