Baja California

The farthest north-west state in the country with a total population of over 3.3m, Baja California’s access to tangible resources – natural gas, water and electricity – and a qualified workforce distinguish the state from other investment regions. The state’s GDP saw a decrease of more than 8% in 2009 due to the economic crisis in the US. Despite this setback, economic recovery has been under way since 2010 with a 2.2% recovery, 4.4% growth for 2011 and 4.2% for 2012. In 2012 the state’s main economic activities by GDP were manufacturing and commerce, with shares of 19.4% and 16%, respectively. Total foreign direct investment was reported at $771.1m for 2013, growing 30% over 2012 figures. By continuing to support education and industry integration, the state could be set to see a shift from manufacturing to the development of an innovation- and research-driven market in the medium-term. This chapter includes an interview with Francisco Arturo Vega de Lamadrid, Governor, Baja California.