Highways and their contribution to the economic development of regions

Highways and Their Contribution to Regional Economic Development

In an era of increasing economic interconnection, transport infrastructures play an essential role in regional development, especially highways, as they stand out not only for facilitating the transit of people and products but also for acting as key catalysts for economic growth. In Mexico, land freight transport represents 81% of the mobilized cargo and moves 56% of the country's total tonnage, constituting 3.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). (GIZ, 2021)

In this sense, it is important to recognize that the construction, operation, and maintenance of these roads not only create a diversity of direct and indirect jobs but also stimulate activity in sectors such as commerce, logistics, tourism, and services. A well-developed road infrastructure in optimal conditions is crucial for attracting and retaining investors, as it improves connectivity and optimizes logistics, reducing operational costs and associated risks. This facilitates the expansion of new economic opportunities, fosters regional growth, and increases the viability of business projects, which, in turn, significantly contributes to the development of regions.

For example, in recent years, the phenomenon of nearshoring has gained significant relevance in Mexico, as multinational companies have sought to optimize their supply chains and reduce costs by beginning to move their operations closer to the United States, driving a greater demand for modern and efficient infrastructure in strategic regions.

The positive impact is reflected in statistics provided by the Ministry of Economy, which indicate that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Mexico reached a new historical maximum during the second quarter of 2024. In that period, a total of 31,096 million dollars (mdd) was recorded, representing an increase of 7% compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

In this context, the Monterrey-Saltillo Highway has played a crucial role in the connectivity between the cities of Monterrey, one of the main economic centers in northern Mexico, and Saltillo, an expanding industrial hub, facilitating the establishment of new distribution centers and manufacturing plants in the region. This development has not only energized local markets but has also contributed to the reduction of operational costs and greater business expansion.

The improvement in connectivity provided by highways not only boosts economic activity and job creation but can also contribute to improving the quality of life. In this way, highways become key pillars for the economic and social progress of the regions in which they are located, contributing to a more prosperous and dynamic future.