Guanajuato Advances: Rises 9 Positions in IMCO Competitiveness Ranking

In a national landscape where competitiveness is a key factor for development and attracting investment, the state of Guanajuato has stood out for its significant progress. According to the results of the State Competitiveness Index (ICE) 2025, presented by the prestigious Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), Guanajuato achieved the greatest progress among all states, climbing nine places in the overall ranking.

This historic leap places the state of Bajío in 13th place nationwide, up from 22nd in the previous ranking. The state administration presents this achievement as a reflection of sustained policies and a strategic vision.

The IMCO State Competitiveness Index is an analytical tool that assesses the capabilities of federal entities to generate, attract, and retain talent and investment. It considers a wide range of indicators grouped into sub-indexes, such as:

* Reliable and objective legal system.

* Sustainable environmental management.

* Inclusive, prepared and healthy society.

* Stable and functional political system.

* Efficient and effective governments.

* Efficient factor market.

* Stable economy.

* World-class pioneering sectors.

* Taking advantage of international relations.

* Innovation in economic sectors.

Progress on this index suggests improvements in several of these areas, resulting in a more favorable business environment and a potentially better quality of life for residents.

The Guanajuato government has attributed this important achievement to a combination of factors that, in its view, have been cultivated over time. In an official statement, the following are highlighted:

* Trust in the State: A fundamental element for attracting and maintaining investment.

* Sustained economic growth: Reflecting dynamism in its productive sectors.

* Innovation: As a driving force for adaptation and the development of new opportunities.

* Continuity and stability: Public policies with a long-term vision that transcend short administrative periods.

"Continuity, stability, and a long-term vision have been key to consolidating progress and addressing challenges," the state government statement stated. It also reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement, institutional strengthening, and building a more competitive, fair, and prosperous state.

It's important to contextualize this progress in competitiveness. Guanajuato, while showing economic and institutional strengths according to the IMCO, also faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of public safety, as evidenced by recent events in cities like León.

The promotion of these achievements in competitiveness can be interpreted as a strategy to balance the narrative about the state, highlighting its capabilities for economic development and investment attraction, even in a complex environment. The sustainability of this competitiveness will depend, to a large extent, on the state's ability to comprehensively address all the factors that impact the well-being of its population and investor confidence, including security as a priority.

"The Government of the People reaffirms its commitment to continuous improvement, institutional strengthening, and the construction of a more competitive, fair, and prosperous state for all." – Government of Guanajuato.

The "Guanajuato model," often associated with the continuity of governments emanating from the National Action Party (PAN) and a focus on industrial development, appears to be bearing fruit in certain indicators evaluated by the IMCO. However, citizens and analysts will continue to monitor how these advances in competitiveness translate into tangible benefits for the quality of life of all Guanajuato residents and whether they are accompanied by improvements in other critical areas.