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ECONOMIC INFORMATION
BAJA CALIFORNIA, A DYNAMIC STATE
The Mexican economy has proved a better performer than what the more optimistic experts had expected. The Mexican peso has gained ground with regards to the American dollar and the productive sector has recovered its dynamic force. Tourism is considered a high priority activity for the economic, social and cultural development of Mexico.
Also, Baja California has more and more of an international presence. This is mainly because of its geographical position, the quality of its natural resources and infrastructure, the leadership of a government that promotes the state, and its residents who always show a positive attitude towards work.
In the economic spectrum, Baja California is characterized by the diversity of its productive sectors that has taken advantage of the economic possibilities and promotional laws that support productive activities and that represent and unbeatable support structure for tourist development:
Agriculture, livestock, fishing and aquaculture
 In the last decades, agricultural production and livestock have reached world scale levels of quality. In sum, 500,000 acres are being used, supported by a modern agricultural industry that gives production a high value.
From Baja California vegetables, cotton, fruits and flowers grown in the valleys of Mexicali and in the coastal areas of the state are successfully exported throughout the world. Also it has become an important center for the production of dairy and meat products.
In this sector the production of various types of wine excels as they are recognized nationally and internationally. The wine industry offers the opportunity to develop specialized tourism products related to the exploration and tasting of wined.
Fishing and aquaculture in Baja California is mainly dedicated to catching tuna, sardines, abalone and lobster; in the state we have developed controlled systems for cultivating species such as: oysters, catfish and scallops.
The agricultural and fishing production of Baja California gives a high quality input to the tourism industry.
Mining
 Mining is still a young activity in the state but with a great potential to grow because of its abundant mineral reserves that include from precious, industrial and iron and steel metals to stone material for construction purposes.
In the last few years important investments related to mining activities have been attracted to the state thanks to favorable market conditions and new technologies that make its commercial exploitation possible. Mining legislation in Mexico has opened up to both national and international investments, without any sort of ownership restrictions, allowing investments of up to 100% of foreign capital in just one company.
The exploration of mines and the jewelry craft nourishes the possibility of attracting travelers specialized in this matter and complement the tourism product of Baja California.
Industry
 As far as the industry goes there is an important factory production especially of food and beverages, glass, paper, furniture and wood products, automobile industry, cement and maquiladoras (factories).
During the last few years the maquiladora industry has been a very important economic booster for the state that, as a result of this, has become the main host for maquiladoras in the country. It has more then 700 factories the majority of which are from the United States and Asia. The electrical, electronic, metal-mechanic, wood products, plastic, glass and clothing maquiladoras are the ones that have excelled the most.
Commerce and Services
 From 1994, with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement, companies that have a commercial nature as well as the industries have the possibility of supplying themselves with foreign merchandise at the border region with preferential customs terms. This offers advantages that have allowed the increase in commerce and services available in the region.
Baja California has had a traditional vocation towards foreign commerce and it is the leader among the northeastern states of Mexico as far as the number of commercial centers goes. The fact that it is close to the Californian market, and it enjoys the freedom consumers have to move in both countries, have made the commerce of Baja California very competitive on an international level. This characteristic represents an opportunity to increase the number and average spending of out visitors.
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