Here's hoping your New Year is off to a solid, positive start. I thought I'd take a moment to share some "quick takes" with you on Mexico, Latin America and 2011. And, of course, if you'd like to talk about your own business' presence in this market, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What's good for the U.S. is good for Mexico I've long said more than a shared border inextricably binds our two nations.  And, here's another reason why that will prove out in 2011, too. Analysts have upped their projections for U.S. GDP and manufacturing growth this year.  That's good news for Mexico, as the country can now expect to see its own domestic demand increase and opportunities for investment in infrastructure expand.  Just three days ago, J.P. Morgan released its latest Mexico Color: Economic Outlook in a Nutshell report, reinforcing these points.

Strengths and opportunities outweigh weaknesses There's good reason to believe that Mexico presents a great opportunity for investment and business expansion from the U.S. or around the globe.  Last year's inclusion of Mexico in the coveted WGBI certainly underscored how encouraging the country's economic prospects are.  In spite of an escalation in drug-related violence this past year, the country's labor force, expansion of banking credit, proximity to the U.S. and other Latin American markets, and an improving economic outlook mean plenty of continued business and investment opportunity in Mexico.

And, it's not just Mexico; Latin American opportunity is growing The talk of Latin America as a "rising economic star," as the Americas Society / Council of the America's suggested at the end of 2010 is more than just idle conversation.  The fact that Latin America and the Caribbean's growth rate could outstrip the global average for the next seven years should get people's attention.  Mexico is well positioned to be a hemispheric leader, especially among Latin American countries, but the region as a whole offers considerable business potential.  Whether you're in Mexico, the U.S. or elsewhere in the region, keep White & Case and ViaNovo in mind as you look to navigate the complexities of cross-border business development, expansion or investment.  I hope you'll consider me part of your team and can be reached here in Mexico City directly at 011-52-55-5540-9104.

Antonio O. Garza

P.S. By connecting with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, we can stay in touch more regularly with up to the minute news and analysis on business, politics and the economy across Latin America. If you haven't already, I hope you'll connect with me online there, too.