AMLO delays presentation of Mexico's third infra package

Presentation of the third package projects for Mexico’s 2020-24 national infrastructure program (PNI) could take even longer than expected due to government concern over the progress achieved in the first two waves of works.

Francisco Cervantes Díaz, president of Mexico’s biggest business association, CCE, said that President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) wants to put the presentation of the third package of projects on hold until the first and second sets of works have been reviewed. 

He wants the first two packages “to mature first before talking about the third package because, due to the pandemic, some projects are no longer there, others are going very well and we're making estimates of the percentage of progress, and on top of that the third package is coming,” he said during a convention in Mexico City to mark the 80th anniversary of the American Society. 

On September 5, Cervantes and the head of the Mexican business council (CMN), Antonio Del Valle, met AMLO at the national palace to discuss investments and the economy. The private sector representatives also inquired about the status of the new package of projects. 

“There are works in the third package that are a priority for the private sector and we're pushing there. Mexico needs the airports,” he said.

The presentation of the new package has been eagerly awaited since the beginning of 2021, following the announcement of packages one and two at the end of 2020. The first included 39 projects and the second another 29, involving total combined investments of 526bn pesos (US$25.7bn).

However, the government has continued pushing back the presentation without any clear explanation as to why, and it has also failed to outline the updated status of the first two packages. In July, Cervantes told local media that he did not know why the third package was being delayed.

Months ago, private sector leaders said the package was ready, but the government decides when to present it.

Private sector leaders have gradually unveiled certain details of the third package, and what is known at the moment is that it will include at least 15 waterworks projects and 15 communications and transportation projects. It is also expected to include some energy proposals, all with private sector participation of at least 50%.