Coparmex warns Mexico's economic plan risks stalling without key reforms

Business group Coparmex has raised concerns over gaps in Mexico’s new economic plan. While recognising efforts to cut red tape, the organisation warned that poor coordination and political interference could limit progress. Its latest report highlights key challenges in security, judicial reforms, and trade relations with the US. Coparmex welcomed the government’s push to simplify bureaucratic procedures and create a single window for foreign trade. Yet it stressed that success depends on smooth cooperation between federal, state, and municipal authorities. A recent survey found 36.2% of affiliated companies facing delays at the municipal level, 33.4% at state level, and 30.5% with federal processes.

The group also criticised plans to merge the Taxpayer Defense Ombudsman (Prodecon) into the Anti-Corruption Secretariat. It insisted the ombudsman must keep full technical, operational, and budgetary independence to function properly. Without this, businesses could lose a vital safeguard against unfair tax practices. On security, Coparmex noted the absence of a clear strategy in the Mexico Plan. It called for stronger judge selection processes and proposed delaying judicial appointments until 2028 to improve standards. The organisation further urged consistency in US-Mexico relations, arguing that trust must be built through reliable engagement. Its final warning highlighted risks to economic stability. An overly political approach, it said, could discourage investment and slow growth just as reforms begin to take shape.

Coparmex’s report underlines the need for better coordination across government levels to fully realise the Mexico Plan’s benefits. It also calls for safeguarding key institutions like Prodecon and ensuring judicial reforms are handled with care. Without these steps, the group warns, bureaucratic hurdles and political uncertainty may persist.