Surbana Jurong, a global urban, industrial and infrastructure consulting firm based in Asia, will be developing a strategic plan for the Interoceanic Corridor and master planning two economic development areas in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca in Mexico. The project was awarded by Mexico’s state government of Veracruz and Oaxaca, marking a significant milestone as Surbana Jurong continues to expand its presence in the North American market.

The Interoceanic Corridor is 40 kilometres wide and 300 kilometres long and it will connect the port of Salinas Cruz on the Pacific coast to the port of Coatzacoalcos on the Atlantic. Strategically located with direct maritime links to China’s Belt and Road Initiative’s Eastern Asian terminal point and Western Europe end, the corridor will broaden market opportunities and drive economic growth for the southern states of Mexico by facilitating international trade and investment.

Surbana Jurong’s scope of work will include a detailed review of the Interoceanic Corridor, including its broad socio-economic benefits to the region and potential growth industrial clusters. The strategic plan will comprise recommendations on market positioning and development directions to facilitate potential growth opportunities in jobs and industry sectors. It will also include proposals for utilities and services infrastructure development, and zoning plans to identify land use distribution along the corridor.

In addition, Surbana Jurong will develop the master plan for two economic development areas within the Interoceanic Corridor in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca. The master plan will guide the physical development of the two industrial sites through planning of land use, infrastructure, utilities and transportation. It seeks to lay the foundations for economic growth, create a conducive environmentfor investment and provide a quality living environment for the people that live and work in it.

Enterprise Singapore facilitated this partnership between Surbana Jurong and the Mexican government, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mexico in 2016 (by then-IE Singapore). The MOU serves to help Singapore companies access opportunities in Mexico, in the areas of infrastructure and connectivity.