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The trend of nearshoring has been widely celebrated as a transformative opportunity for Mexico and North America’s broader economy. Yet, as the world watches, one truth remains undeniable: nearshoring cannot succeed without addressing two fundamental pillars—energy and security. As I’ve learned through my years of cross-border work and most recently in conversations with key figures in the new Sheinbaum administration, these issues must be solved at the border first.
Take the semiconductor industry, where Arizona has emerged as the U.S. epicenter for investment. Companies like Intel and TSMC have poured billions into the Phoenix area, solidifying the region as a hub of technological innovation. However, just a three-hour drive from this investment goldmine lies Nogales, Sonora—an ideal location to further extend the nearshoring trend. With the right focus, Nogales could serve as a critical link between U.S. innovation and Mexican manufacturing. But here's the catch: without reliable energy infrastructure and an unwavering commitment to security, investors will continue to hesitate.
Why Energy is the Lifeblood of Investment
In today's tech-driven world, semiconductors are the building blocks of almost every modern device. The manufacturing process is energy-intensive, requiring a steady, reliable power supply that doesn't break the bank. Mexico, with its growing renewable energy potential, has the resources to support this—but not without significant upgrades to infrastructure. In fact, border towns like Nogales could be ground zero for energy collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico.
The Phoenix-Nogales corridor could easily become a case study for cross-border energy solutions, helping to stabilize energy costs and create a resilient power grid that meets the needs of this new era of manufacturing. But the effort must be coordinated, with both sides recognizing that energy security is investment security.
Security: The Key to Peace of Mind for Investors
This brings us to the second pillar—security. While many tout Mexico’s workforce and proximity as advantages, these benefits are often overshadowed by security concerns. Investors need to know that their operations, employees, and assets are protected. The instability driven by cartel violence and corruption cannot be allowed to undermine the potential for economic growth.
Here’s where I see an opportunity. The Mexican government under President Sheinbaum is more open than ever to tackling security issues head-on, especially in key investment zones. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with several members of the administration, and it’s clear that there is a growing recognition of the need for a dedicated security strategy tied specifically to areas like Nogales, which are crucial for economic development.
Starting this effort as close to the U.S. border as possible, where the stakes are highest and where U.S. interests are directly tied to Mexican stability, is not just a good idea—it’s essential. Nogales, just a few hours away from the heart of semiconductor investment in the U.S., could serve as a beacon of security reform, creating a stable environment that encourages further foreign investment.
A Call for a Bold, Coordinated Effort
I believe that now is the time for a bold, coordinated effort that prioritizes both energy and security in these key border zones. If we fail to address these critical issues, we will watch the nearshoring trend falter, and opportunities for both Mexico and the U.S. will be lost. But if we succeed, we can unlock the full potential of nearshoring, with Nogales and Phoenix leading the way.
This isn't just a theory. The momentum is there. We have the talent, the location, and the political will to make this happen. What we need now is a vision that ties it all together, bringing business leaders, investors, and policymakers into alignment on a plan for real, lasting growth. It’s a vision that I’m committed to championing because I’ve seen firsthand what’s possible when we align the forces of energy, security, and investment.
It’s time to stop talking about nearshoring in abstract terms and start putting the pieces together where it matters most—on the border.
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