Manuel Bravo leads the CEG in Mexico in the face of foreign investment challenges.

Manuel Bravo, president of the Global Companies Council (CEG) in Mexico, has taken the reins at a crucial moment for foreign investment in the country. With over 60 multinational companies under his representation, his leadership comes in a context of political and economic changes both in Mexico and the United States. Bravo, who is also the CEO of Bayer in the country, has expressed his concern about judicial reforms that could impact the impartiality of the system and, consequently, investor confidence. Donald Trump's recent promise to impose tariffs on imports has left the private sector uneasy. This announcement has even led figures like Elon Musk to modify their investment plans in Mexico. Despite these challenges, Bravo remains optimistic about short-term economic projections, noting that 2024 and 2025 could be promising years due to the localization of supply chains. "We trust that the policies of the new administration will be aimed at facilitating growth and seizing geopolitical opportunities," he stated. However, the topic of nearshoring, which has been widely discussed in recent times, presents itself as a reality. According to Bravo, during López Obrador's administration, investment from global companies reached 52 billion dollars, reflecting a tangible change in the investment landscape. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that there is still much work to be done to attract more foreign capital, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure and a legal framework that guarantees legal certainty. The conversation becomes more concerning when the judicial reform expected to be approved in September is mentioned. Bravo emphasizes the importance of a strong and professional judiciary, as he believes that any weakness in this area could compromise impartiality and, therefore, investor confidence. "Judicial independence is one of the principles we must keep on the discussion table," he affirmed, stressing that Mexico must meet the international commitments it has made. In this regard, the relationship between the Mexican government and foreign companies becomes critical. Bravo points out that the future of these relationships will depend on how reforms are managed and the new government's ability to foster a conducive business environment. "Legal certainty is the cornerstone of investments," he comments, insisting that the next government must prioritize security and the professionalization of the judicial sector. During the interview, Bravo also distances himself from the controversial topic of genetically modified corn, stating that his role as president of the CEG does not involve addressing individual controversies of specific companies. However, his experience at Bayer places him in a unique position to understand the complexities of agricultural regulation in Mexico. In this regard, he suggests that the best way to tackle these challenges is through dialogue and collaboration with the competent authorities. The president of the CEG also shows receptiveness to the idea of labor reforms on the horizon. While he acknowledges that the impact of these reforms may vary across different industries, he emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace. "Equity of opportunity is fundamental for the growth and development of the country," he mentions, reflecting a broader vision that includes not only profitability but also social well-being. Looking to the future, Bravo appears willing to collaborate with the next government to ensure that public policies favor investment and economic development in Mexico. However, he maintains that the implementation of these policies will depend on the new leaders' ability to listen and adapt to the needs of the business community. "We are ready to work together, but we need certainties," he concludes. In summary, Manuel Bravo's arrival at the CEG represents a call for collaboration between the public and private sectors at a time of uncertainty. The decisions made in the coming months will be crucial not only for foreign investment but also for Mexico's economic future in an increasingly globalized environment.