Business owners are another part of Mexico’s growing population. Mexico is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA encourage trade between Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The agreement makes it easier and cheaper for goods to pass between the borders. Participation in this agreement helped industry grow and unemployment decline in Mexico.
One of the results of NAFTA was with a growth of more than 2,000 factories along the US-Mexico border. These factories located in Mexico specialize in making products that will be sold in the United States. These factories, known as maquiladoras, employ more than 1 million people. Work in the maquiladoras is low-paying, but the factories continue to hire people and turn out generations of skilled laborers. The maquiladoras have also been criticized for the pollution they create. Because the factories are all clustered in northern Mexico, for easy access to the United States, there has been an impact on the air quality and the environment. The factories have been accused of improperly disposing of waste products.
Two of the biggest industries in Mexico that are seen in more positive ways than factories, are mining and tourism. The company that drills for oil in Mexico is known as Pemex; it is a government-owned company which means that the economy rises and falls along with the oil prices. Mexico is home to many tourist destinations and resort cities like Acapulco and Cancun. These destinations welcome tourists from all over the world. International companies own and invest in many of the businesses in Mexico’s resort cities.
Why do you think mining and tourism are seen as more favorable industries in Mexico than factory work?
| Your Responses | Sample Answers |
|---|---|
| Your answer might explain that mining and tourism pay workers more than factory work. In addition, both cause less pollution. | |
