Mexico Launches 4 New Competency Standards to Boost Logistics and International Trade

In an effort to consolidate its position as a global logistics and trade hub, Mexico has implemented four new labor competency standards for the logistics and foreign trade sector. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with the National Council for Standardization and Certification of Labor Competencies (CONOCER), the Mexican Association of Freight Agents (AMACARGA), the National Association of Importers and Exporters of the Mexican Republic (ANIERM), and the National Association of Private Vehicle Recovery Companies (ANERPV), responds to growing global demands and the need for a more skilled workforce, seeking to promote professionalization and competitiveness throughout the industry. A joint effort to professionalize the supply chain. These standards are the result of seven months of intense work and collaboration between private sector associations, government institutions, and industry experts. The initiative is based on the need to have certified professionals whose skills meet global benchmarks and ensure safer and more efficient cargo movement and supply chain operations. The four new standards are: Development of proposals for foreign trade logistics services. Operational management of international foreign trade logistics services - Land and rail transport. Operational management of international foreign trade logistics services - Maritime and air transport. Implementation of geospatial analysis to strengthen logistics security in foreign trade operations. Each standard was developed with a rigorous methodology and will be validated by CONOCER, providing official certification that recognizes the skills and competencies of logistics and foreign trade professionals. Ignacio Aguado, General Director of Innovation, Services and Internal Commerce of the Ministry of Economy, highlights that "more than 15 years have passed since a committee of this type was established. This signals a renewed commitment to collaboration in Mexico's 32 federal entities." For his part, Sergio Silva, Head of the Economic Growth Unit of the Ministry of Economy, adds that "the world is changing, and Mexico must adapt its tools and capabilities to the new global context." Empowering the workforce for global trade. Guillermina Alvarado, Director of CONECTA, frames the initiative within a broader national strategy led by President Claudia Sheinbaum and Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing skills acquired through experience and practice, and underscores the need for future standards in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. Gerardo Tajonar, President of ANIERM, calls the launch a "strategic milestone." He also highlights three priorities for strengthening the foreign trade ecosystem: the continuous development of more competency standards, the creation of an intelligence center for foreign trade, and the establishment of a high-level specialized training institute. A perspective from the field. Eva María Muñoz, President of AMACARGA, calls for unity and professional recognition throughout the freight agent community: "Let's make sure every worker can obtain certification that demonstrates their years of effort and skill." These standards have practical and real relevance, states Juan Pablo Pacheco, Vice President of International Affairs at AMACARGA. "They are not theoretical documents, they are tools designed to reflect operational and regulatory realities in the field." He emphasizes that proper regulation must be designed with input from those who live it daily. The professionalization of those responsible for logistics security will be key to sector growth, says Luis Villatoro, President of ANERPV. He adds that more than 400 public security officials have already been trained to work in C4 and C5 monitoring centers in coordination with the National Guard. Toward a certified and competitive Mexico. The four standards, which will soon be published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), are just the beginning, according to authorities. Officials plan to launch four additional standards by year-end. These efforts aim to create a labor market with clearly defined competencies, improve productivity, attract investments, and increase the competitiveness of Mexican companies in the global market.