Mexico targets innovation and high-value production at G20 summit

Mexico's Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, announced plans to use the upcoming G20 summit of economy ministers and central bank governors to promote an innovation strategy. The summit is scheduled to begin on August 31 in North Carolina, following an invitation from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The discussions will focus on accelerating innovation across North America.

Ebrard emphasized that Mexico aims to shift its productive capacity toward high-value-added goods, specialized exports, and skilled employment, rather than relying solely on assembly or nearshoring opportunities. He cited the need for North America to match the technological advancements seen in Asian nations like China and South Korea.

As an example of this shift, Ebrard highlighted a partnership between the Mexican government and GreenLight Biosciences to develop the world's first RNA-based biofungicide. Designed to combat grape powdery mildew and replace chemical pesticides, the project is expected to require an initial investment of approximately $100 million and could create 500 specialized direct jobs. The company also intends to establish a production plant in Mexico City.