Getting it Right
Strategic Priorities for Mexico
Mexico has been a reform champion, having launched ambitious reforms in a broad range
of areas. While the reforms are showing first positive effects they are not delivering
to the extent they could. On many dimensions of well-being, including education, health
and security amongst others, Mexico still lags behind the OECD average and regional
development remains very uneven. While Mexico has done a lot to build a competitive
economy, progress has been too slow in two complementary areas, namely strengthening
institutions and fostering inclusion. The capacity of the public sector is weak, corruption
remains widespread and the rule of law is week, all hindering trust in government
institutions and the effective implementation of policies. Similarly, persistent inequalities
and widespread poverty do not only mean that higher growth does not translate into
widespread gains in well-being; these inequalities are also holding back growth as
Mexico is not using all available talent. Mexico has taken measures to tackle these
issues, but important implementation gaps remain. It will be important for the next
government to build on past reform efforts, ensuring the full and effective implementation
of already legislated changes to allow for reform continuity and to launch additional
reforms in several priority areas, including the rule of law, education and social
protection. Only then will Mexico be able to deliver a higher quality of life for
all its people.
Published on May 11, 2018Also available in: Spanish