Baja California has emerged as one of Mexico’s top ten best-performing states over the past two decades, earning formal recognition from the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) following the release of its 2026 State Competitiveness Index (ICE).
Speaking during a panel discussion with state governors, Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda acknowledged the region’s geographic advantages along the U.S.–Mexico border, but emphasized that long-term growth hinges on water security, educational investment, and energy infrastructure.
Central to the state’s strategy is a major new desalination plant serving the Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito metropolitan areas to diversify Baja California’s water supply.
“This initiative will secure water for Baja California for at least the next 30 years. Given today’s global environmental realities, a state like ours simply cannot depend solely on the Colorado River,” she said.
In addition, the governor said that the administration is shifting its economic model away from low-cost manufacturing toward high-skilled workforce development with specialized education tailored to strategic sectors, including semiconductors, biotechnology, medical devices, and aerospace.
These educational initiatives are paired with large-scale infrastructure projects such as the expansion of the Punta Colonet port, the opening of the Otay II commercial port of entry, and upgrades to the regional power grid.
With IMCO’s endorsement and critical infrastructure projects moving forward, Baja California reaffirms that guaranteeing reliable access to water, energy, education, and talent in the region is key to a competitive state and boosting shared well-being.
