According to an old proverb in Mexico, “Cada quien es el arquitecto de su propio destino” (each one is the architect of his own destiny). Likewise, it is no surprise that housing has become a major policy focus for the Mexican government in recent years, as well as an increasingly attractive market for U.S. builders and suppliers.

As of today, Mexico’s President Fox is committed to a 10-year plan to build 11.7 million new homes in his country, which will launch its housing market to a projected value of over $6.7 billion by 2005. This news, when taken into account with Mexico’s proximity, beautiful geography, sunny weather, charming colonial towns, and affordability contribute to the market’s irresistible allure. Groups that are fueling this boom include: Mexico’s growing middle class, Mexican-Americans, U.S. retirees and vacation home seekers, and most significantly by the millions of working class Mexican families and their prospects for low-cost housing. Housing that utilizes new technologies, ideas, and building techniques.

Recognizing this growing trend, on June 29 NAHB in partnership with Mexico’s National Industry Chamber for the Development and Promotion of Housing (CANADEVI), signed a landmark agreement in Guadalajara, Mexico to exchange ideas, share information, boost trade, and help meet the housing needs of both countries.

“This agreement is the latest positive offshoot of the historic Partnership for Prosperity alliance established by President George W. Bush and Mexican President Vicente Fox in February of 2001, as it establishes a powerful precedent for international cooperation,” said NAHB President Bobby Rayburn, signatory to the agreement along with CANADEVI President Héctor Aguirre. “Our partnership will increase cross-border ties between home builders and provide greater opportunity for businesses on both sides to expand into the international marketplace.”

An immediate result of the alliance will be NAHB and CANADEVI’s upcoming conference, “The 2nd International Housing Conference of the Americas”, Nov. 7-10 at the Four Seasons hotel in Mexico City. An event geared to meet the needs of both American and Mexican builders who want to learn about each others housing markets, network with their foreign colleagues, and take the first steps towards creating new trade and partnerships.

U.S. participants will benefit by having the unique chance to meet with Mexico’s top builders, housing officials, and market experts. Extensive educational panels, property tours to five of Mexico’s largest developers, a complimentary one-on-one matchmaking service, networking breakfasts and lunches, keynote speeches by NAHB and CANADEVI leadership, and table-top exhibit space are some of the events to be taken advantage of at this premier event.

“This conference offers a unique and intimate insight into how to build homes in Mexico” said Fred Agudelo a California builder and president of Fred Agudelo Construction. “Anyone interested in expanding their business into Mexico should definitely make plans to attend the conference”
 
For more information and to register on-line, visit www.nahb.org/mexicoconference or call NAHB International at 800-368-5242 x8419. [ return to top ]