Mexico Competitiveness Program

Mexico Competitiveness Program
The Mexico Competitiveness Program (MCP) strengthens
the competitiveness of micro-, small- and mediumsized businesses (including rural producers) and improves
environmental policy management to mitigate climate
change and preserve Mexican biodiversity. Good
governance is essential to Mexico’s long-term
competitiveness. Improved competitiveness is the key to
rational use of the country’s natural resource base. This is
particularly important among rural producers who live in
environmentally vulnerable areas. Funded by USAID,
The Mexico Competiveness Program has four integrated
objectives: 1) build sustainable environmental
governance and management, 2) increase private sector
competitiveness, 3) make factor and precursor markets
more efficient, and 4) increase investment in and use of
clean energy.
Highlights of Success
•
Design of an electronic system to monitor and report
on the progress of federal government actions to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This system, the
first of its kind in the developing world, is currently
being put in place by Mexican federal agencies.
•
Technical assistance to establish an environmental
management system in Mexico City that promotes
energy and water efficiency, saves resources, fosters
green procurement, and improves recycling and
waste management.
•
Implementation of a REDD (Reducing Emissions from
Deforestation and Degradation) pilot project in the
Ocote Jungle Reserve. This project, which developed
community-based land use plans that protect forests
and generate income, is providing input for a
national REDD strategy.
•
Formation and operation of the Mexican Network on
Competition and Regulation, which influences
policymakers, raises awareness on the importance of
competition, and promotes transparency.
Program Objectives
•
Environmental management. Providing capacitybuilding and technical assistance to develop and
implement public policies on biodiversity and climate
change; promoting alternative income generation from
sustainably produced goods and services;
and delivering technical assistance to support
sustainable landscapes.
•
Economic governance. Supporting public policies for
competitiveness and innovation and strengthening
competition policy.
•
Efficient factor and precursor markets. Increasing
access to microfinance markets for productive
investment and improving the quality and sustainability
of urban water services.
•
Clean energy. Promoting state and municipal clean
energy projects; supporting the Cross-Border Electricity
Task Force; and helping establish sustainable
structures, including programs for green mortgages
and certification of sustainable buildings.
Client: USAID
Duration: October 2008–November 2012
Project Team: Abt Associates Inc,
Casals Associates, International Resources Group
Who We Are
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social
and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges,
Abt Associates was ranked as one of the top 25 global research firms in 2010. The employee-owned company has
multiple offices in the U. S. and program offices in nearly 40 countries.
International Economic Growth
Areas of Expertise
Food Security and
Economic Development
Agriculture Development • Institutional development
Environment and
Climate Change
•
Policy development
•
Enterprise development
•
•
Value chain development
•
Workforce development
•
Access to export/import markets
•
Technical capacity building
•
Quality standards
•
Non-governmental and civil
•
Trade/supply chain management
•
Access to finance
•
Product and service promotion
•
Agricultural Behavioral Change Tool
•
Investment promotion
(AgBC)
•
Corporate Social Responsibility
human health, economics)
•
Natural resource management
and biodiversity
society organization sustainability
•
Impact studies (biophysical,
Development of local business
service providers
•
Environmental health
improvement
•
Water resources and watershed
management
•
Climate change and carbon credits
•
Soil conservation and reforestation
•
Community education
Learn More
Corporate Headquarters
55 Wheeler Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
P. 617.492.7100
www.abtassociates.com
International Economic
Growth Division
4550 Montgomery Avenue
Suite 800 North
Bethesda, MD 20814
P. 301.347.5000
F. 301.913.9061
For more information about all of Abt Associates international economic growth programs, visit www.abtassociates.com/ieg