By Santiago F. Arroyo followed*
In a world where connectivity and logistics efficiency are key to economic growth, the interoceanic corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT) emerges as a transformative project for Mexico and Latin America. This ambitious plan, accompanied by the development poles for well-being (Podebis), not only seeks to unite the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but also to detonate the economic and social development of the Mexican south-south-southwest, a historically lagging region. With an integral vision that combines infrastructure, tax incentives and sustainability, CIIT and Podebis represent a unique opportunity to position Mexico as a strategic node in global trade in the framework of the global regionalization of markets and economies.
The ICIT is emerging as an intermodal platform that will connect the ports of Coatzacoalcos (Veracruz) and Salina Cruz (Oaxaca) through railways, four maritime ports and a modernized road network. It is estimated that, being fully operational, the project will generate more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs and will contribute up to 5% to the national GDP, according to government figures. Podebis, meanwhile, are 12 industrial areas designed to attract investment in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, automotive, agribusiness, clean and petrochemical energy, with tax incentives that include exemptions in ISR and VAT, as well as a special customs regime.
As of May 2025, the modernization of the ports of Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz, together with the construction of Salina Cruz’s breakwater – the largest and most functional in Latin America – reinforce the logistics capacity of the corridor.
As for the Podebis, 10 of the 12 poles have been tendered, with companies such as Mota-Engil México, Grupo Carso, Proistmo and Ucedic leading the development of the first five (Coatzacoalcos I and II, San Juan Evangelista, Texistepec and Salina Cruz). Initially focusing on sectors such as technology and services, however, the lack of energy and natural gas infrastructure represents a serious challenge to win; especially with the regulatory dynamics and the operational and financial problems that public companies have with said vocation (CFE and Pemex). Therefore, the most intensive expansion plans depend on energy developments of the private initiative, such as the one that the URSUS company has promoted since 2022 with the Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal (LNG) in Coatzacoalcos, generating a vector of opportunity to seriously detonate the region and the objectives of the node.
CIIT and Podebis offer an unparalleled panorama for national and international investors. Tax incentives, combined with interoceanic connectivity, make Podebis a magnet for high -added value industries. Sectors such as energy, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied oil gas (LPG), are especially promising. The LNG terminal in Coatzacoalcos and the projected gas pipeline to supply domestic companies and consumers position isthmus as a strategic energy hub, capable of meeting the growing regional and global demand.
Geostrategically, the ICIT is emerging as a viable alternative to the Panama Canal, allowing a traffic of merchandise from coast to coast in just six hours, in the face of the capacity and time restrictions of the channel. The TMEC (which will soon enter review and the Podebis can be a strong letter at the negotiation tables), amplifies its relevance, facilitating exports to the southern United States, Europe, Asia and emerging markets such as the Caribbean and Central America. The Coatzacoalcos-Sines Maritime Corridor (Portugal), backed by the Gateway Gateway initiative of the European Union, reinforces this global connectivity.
CIIT and Podebis are not only infrastructure projects, but a commitment to the integral transformation of Mexico. By positioning the country as a bridge between continents and a logistics-energy hub, the CIIT opens doors to markets little explored such as the Caribbean and Central America, complementing and discouraging the Panama Canal. For investors, tax incentives and the diversity of productive sectors represent a high return opportunity; For the Isthmus communities, they mean employment, education and a better quality of life.
In a global context where the relocation of companies and sustainability are priorities, Mexico has a winning letter in the CIIT and Podebis. Under this optics, the Tehuantepec isthmus will not only connect oceans, but also projects and realities.
About the author:
* Santiago F. Arroyo seguedo He is the general director of Ursus Energy, specialist in regulation and development of energy businesses.
X: @Sarroyoyi
The opinions expressed are only the responsibility of their authors and are completely independent of the position and the editorial line of Forbes Mexico.
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