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United Nations International Conference
on Financing for Development
18th - 22th March 2002
Monterrey, Mexico

 

Department of Economic Development

Monterrey, the City of Mountains

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I.-General Information and Infrastructure Mexico

1.1 Brief History

The city of Monterrey was founded in 1596 in the northeastern region of Mexico. Monterrey is recognized throughout Mexico for its industrial, commercial and educational strength. Due to the city's natural surroundings Monterrey has developed its touristic attractions, which have transformed the city into a popular center for important events.

1.2 Physical Geography

The State of Nuevo León borders with the States of San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Coahuila and Zacatecas in Mexico, and Texas in the U.S.A. Monterrey is located only two hours from the Texas border by land and Mexico City is just a short 75 minutes flight away. The State of Nuevo León has excellent highway system and railroad connections to four borders crossing in Texas and to all mayor cities and seaports throughout Mexico.

Located on the 100th Meridian, that is a central location within the American Continent. Total area of 24,963 square miles Population of 3.9 million.

1.3 Weather

Average temperatures by season:

Spring: 30 °C         Summer: 36 °C          Fall: 20 °C          Winter: 20 °C

1.4 Time Zone

Local time for Monterrey is GMT-6 (U.S. Central Time Zone)

1.5 Transportation

An international airport (Mariano Escobedo) is located just 30 minutes from downtown Monterrey.

Special taxi service and car rental agents are available.

International Airports:

Mariano Escobedo (Commercial) Daily Flight Arrival

Domestic Flights 199
International Flights 57
Total 256

Del Norte (Private) Daily Flight Arrival

Domestic Flights 73
International Flights 22
Total 95

Total Commercial + Private: 351 flights per day.

Airlines with direct flights to Monterrey

  • Aeromexico

  • Mexicana

  • Aerolitoral

  • Aerolineas Internacionales

  • Aviacsa

  • Aeromar

  • Aerocalifornia

  • Aerocaribe

  • American Airlines

  • Continental Airlines

  • Delta Airlines

  • Northwest Airlines

1.6 Monterrey's Highlights

• Nuevo Leon is rated as one of the top states in standard of living due to its: security, cultural enviroment, medical and health care facilities, entertainment alternatives, wealth and income per-capita, educational institutions and geographical location.

• Natural attractions less than an hour from the downtown area: Cola de Caballo (Horse Tail Water Falls), Grutas de García and Huasteca Canyon.

• More than 13 museums.

• International art galleries.

• Cultural attractions concentrated in the downtown area.

• Cafes, restaurants, and active night life in the Barrio Antiguo area.

• 450 restaurants of regional, Mexican and international cuisine.

• Commercial zones located throughout the city.

• Three Theme Parks: Parque Plaza Sesamo, Bioparque Estrella and Bosque Mágico.

• Concerts and Festivals through the year such as: Barrio Antiguo Cultural Festival, Nuevo Leon Theatre Festival, International Youth Soccer Tournament Copa Monterrey and the CART Series: Monterrey Grand Prix.

 

1.7 Industrial Highlights.

  • First factory in Nuevo León was established in 1850.

  • Nuevo Leon's business base consists of:

13,251 manufacturing companies
55,302 retail establishments
51,028 services firms
   1,755 companies belonging to other sectors.

  • Monterrey is hometown of some of the biggest conglomerates in Mexico such as

    • CEMEX

    • CYDSA

    • FEMSA

    • IMSA

    • GRUMA

    • PROEZA

    • PROTEXA

    • PULSAR

    • RAMIREZ

    • VILLACERO

    • VITRO

    • ALFA

    • LAMOSA

Many international corporations also at Monterrey are:

  • ABB

  • MITSUBISHI

  • ALCOA-FUJIKURA

  • NAVISTAR

  • BASF

  • NORTEL

  • CATERPILLAR

  • PACKARD ELECTRIC

  • DANFOSS COMPRESSORS

  • PARKER ZENITH

  • DELPHI

  • PHELPS DODGE

  • DENSO

  • PIONEER

  • GE

  • RHONE POULENC

  • GRAINGER

  • SCI

  • JOHN DEERE

  • TOYOTA

  • KELLOGG'S

  • UNION CARBIDE

  • MERCEDES BENZ- FREIGHTLINER

  • YAZAKI

  • CELESTICA

  • INVENSYS

  • ELCOTEQ

  • JOHNSON & JOHNSON

  • OSRAM

  • LG

  • VISTEON

  • SANYO

  • PANASONIC

  • SOLECTRON

II.- Business Facts

2.1 Economic Information

The State of Nuevo León generates:

  • 8.6% of Mexico's GDP
  • 9.4% of manufactured products in Mexico.

Domestic production share of enterprises in Nuevo Leon. Percentage of total production:

  • 75% of glass
  • 75% of corn flour
  • 70% of household appliances
  • 60% of synthetic fibers
  • 60% of cement
  • 50% of beer
  • 50% of ceramic products
  • 25% of steel

In 1999 Fortune Magazine rated Monterrey Mexico as the best city in Latin America for conducting business. (December special issue.)

In the year 2000, Nuevo Leon attracted 18.4% of foreign direct investment in Mexico. Mainly from the U.S. (70% of total investment), Holland accounted for 11%, Japan for 7% and Canada for 4% respectively.

2.2 Business Culture

Nuevo Leon is the industrial leader in Mexico with outstanding positions in sectors such as Beverage, Packaging, Cement, Glass, Steel, Auto Parts and Financial Service Industries. In the year 2000, the total revenues of Industrial Groups in Nuevo León were more than 31.3 Billion USD.

Venue of the Conference

Venue of the Conference

Hotel Accommodations and Facilities

Currency

The monetary unit is the Peso. Bill denominations are from $20 to $500 pesos. Rate of exchange is:

1 US$ =$9.60 pesos

We recommend you to bring only United States Dollars. Banks and dollar exchange services are available throughout the city. Travelers checks and credit cards are also accepted. Payments are made only in pesos.

Local Transportation

Car & Van rentals and chauffeur services are available in Monterrey.

Electrical Power

Electricity in Monterrey is 110v-60Hz. There are various kinds of plugs and sockets in use. Travelers with computers, electric shavers, tape recorders, and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit.