Summary: Puebla is intensifying efforts to attract Canadian investment in electromobility, advanced manufacturing, energy, and pharmaceuticals as part of Mexico’s trade mission to Canada, aligning state strategy with North American supply chain integration and nearshoring trends. The initiative seeks to strengthen high-value industrial cooperation and innovation linkages, positioning Puebla within regional value chains ahead of the 2026 USMCA six-year review. Broader bilateral engagement underscores Mexico–Canada coordination to reinforce trade stability and competitiveness across key sectors, including automotive and industrial manufacturing. 

 

 

The government of Puebla is intensifying efforts to attract Canadian investment in electromobility, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors following its participation in Mexico’s commercial mission to Canada, officials said.

The state delegation joined national authorities in Toronto for meetings aimed at expanding trade and investment ties, positioning Puebla as a competitive destination within North America’s integrated supply chains.

Puebla’s Minister of Economic Development and Labor, Víctor Gabriel Chedraui, said the state was represented by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Mónica Barrientos in meetings with investors and business leaders in Toronto.The visit was part of the Government of Mexico’s trade mission to Canada, headed by Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard.

The agenda centered on opportunities in electromobility, energy, pharmaceuticals and construction, with discussions focused on innovation, commerce and deeper economic integration between Mexico and Canada.

Chedraui said the initiative aligns with Puebla’s strategy to consolidate investments and expand its presence in global value chains tied to technological innovation, infrastructure and industrial development. 

Strengthening Advanced Manufacturing Ties

As part of the mission, the Puebla delegation held meetings with Canadian companies and business organizations to enhance cooperation in industrial development, advanced manufacturing, and new technologies. The delegation also visited Electrovaya, a company specializing in the innovation and development of batteries for industrial applications and electric mobility. The visit aimed to review technological models and processes that could be adapted to support electromobility and advanced manufacturing industries in Puebla.

Chedraui said these engagements are intended to strengthen the state’s competitiveness in high-value sectors and leverage growing nearshoring trends across North America. The commercial mission also served as a platform to reinforce institutional dialogue between Mexico and Canada. During meetings, Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard and Canadian Minister Dominic LeBlanc reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) and building a more competitive and resilient North American economy.

Mexican authorities said closer bilateral coordination creates opportunities for participation in high-impact projects related to technology, investment relocation and industrial expansion across the region. Officials emphasized that Puebla seeks to position itself as a destination for specialized manufacturing, innovation and technology development, taking advantage of regional integration and evolving global supply chains.

The initiative comes as North American governments prepare for the 2026 six-year review of the USMCA, a process expected to shape future trade and investment conditions across the continent. 

Broader North American Investment Momentum

The Puebla mission coincided with broader announcements during Mexico’s trade engagement in Canada, including a planned US$2 billion investment in Mexico’s pharmaceutical sector centered in Hidalgo.

The investment forms part of efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical production capacity in North America and expand regional supply chains. Officials signed agreements focused on pharmaceutical inputs and manufacturing projects across multiple states, reported MBN. 

In Hidalgo, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Canadian company Solar International Core Canada and state authorities for the construction of an active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) plant in the Zapotlan Development Hub. According to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, the company will initially allocate US$70 million for land acquisition as a first phase of the broader investment plan. Authorities described the initiative as part of a strategy to enhance domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity following disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and dependence on imported active ingredients. 

Strengthening the USMCA Framework

Mexico’s Ambassador to Canada, Carlos Manuel Joaquin Gonzalez, told MBN in an exclusive interview that the upcoming 2026 USMCA review represents a pivotal moment for North American trade and renewed coordination among the three countries. He said dialogue between Mexico, the United States and Canada has resumed in a more constructive tone and that bilateral discussions between Mexico and Canada have progressed positively ahead of the review.

According to the ambassador, both countries share priorities in steel, aluminum and automotive manufacturing, sectors central to employment and regional competitiveness. He added that coordinated positions aim to preserve established trade rules and reduce risks of protectionist measures that could disrupt supply chains.

Gonzalez also noted growing confidence within Canada’s private sector regarding the review process, describing the upcoming evaluation as an opportunity to reinforce stability and modernize cooperation.

In regards to what business leaders can expect from the Mexico-Canada relationship, Ambassador Gonzalez said it is entering a transformative phase, characterized by increased dialogue, trust, and shared interests. “Under Prime Minister Carney, we have seen greater openness and engagement, which has strengthened our bilateral dialogue. We maintain constant communication across sectors, supported by active trade missions and institutional cooperation.”