It’s not just about Mexico, as in early 2010 there was an avalanche of announcements from various countries and sources. Everyone is making plans or announcing investments in Mexico’s infrastructure. The projects will affect the development of roads, ports, hydraulic works, airports and tourist complexes.
• Australian investment fund Macquarie Group announced in January the launch of a new $ 408 million fund to make massive investments in infrastructure in Mexico. Focusing on infrastructure opportunities in Mexico, it is the largest managed fund in Latin America and will focus on investments in roads and railways, water and wastewater, ports and airports, energy and utilities, as well as social communications infrastructure. The Macquarie Mexican Infrastructure Fund was launched with:
* $ 59 million of founder money
* $ 81 million from the Mexican government
* $ 268 million from Mexican pension funds
• In January, local media in the Riviera Maya reported that the Spanish construction company OHL plans to build a new luxury marina in the Riviera Maya. An OHL spokesperson said they are working with hotels and real estate developers on the Mayakoba project near Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya. The project consists of five 5-star resorts.
• OHL also continues with plans to develop the El Jesusito real estate project on 988 acres of land alongside the Mayakoba project. The project will include condominiums, a golf course and a residential area for employees.
• The National Infrastructure Fund of Mexico was created by Mexican President Felipe Calderón to promote investment in roads, bridges, trains, water treatment and other infrastructure projects. The fund supports private investment and is authorized to invest more than $ 2.37 billion in 42 projects in 2010.
Frederico Patiño, director of the Fonadin fund says: “The message is that the projects will not be stopped due to lack of financing.” He joined the infrastructure fund in 2008. The focus of these investments is on the main tourist routes and areas in order to boost local economies and real estate markets as well.
• Just announced in mid-March 2010, an investment of $ 240 million is expected to be made in the development of the new Tulum International Airport. It is still just planning, as a lot of organizing has to happen first, but there is confidence in the ultimate success of this project.
If this massive activity continues in a cooperative private investment and government effort to improve infrastructure in Mexico, it could begin to stimulate real estate markets in the country for decades.