Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico – Jalisco has secured a unique position on Mexico’s economic map by becoming the only state in the country to place three different cities in the top three spots of the 2026 Urban Competitiveness Index. Published by the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), this year’s index highlights Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Ocotlán for their exceptional ability to attract investment, generate quality employment, and retain skilled talent.
The findings showcase Jalisco’s diverse economic strength across various scales of development. In the category of major metropolises with over one million residents, the state capital of Guadalajara climbed to second place nationally, overtaking Monterrey.
Meanwhile, Puerto Vallarta maintained its firm leadership as the number-one city in the category for populations between 500,000 and one million, solidifying its status as a premier global destination. Rounding out the state’s success, Ocotlán secured the third position among smaller cities with fewer than 250,000 inhabitants, proving its value as a vital regional economic hub.
State officials attribute these achievements to a coordinated strategy that bridges economic growth, technological innovation, and modern infrastructure. Cindy Blanco Ochoa, the Secretary of Economic Development, noted that these high rankings give businesses the confidence they need to invest and expand.
According to Fanny Guadalupe Valdivia Márquez, Secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology, a heavy focus on professional training and scientific capability allows the state to build high-value industries while successfully nurturing local talent.
Resource availability and sustainability are also playing a major role in keeping Jalisco ahead of the curve. Manuel Herrera Vega, the Secretary of Sustainable Energy Development, emphasized that modern infrastructure and green energy initiatives are critical factors when companies decide where to set up operations. By funding projects centered on energy efficiency and distributed generation, the state ensures that even smaller regions have the tools necessary to thrive.
As a comprehensive benchmark evaluating 72 cities across 35 distinct indicators—including security, innovation, and government performance – the IMCO index confirms that Jalisco’s collaborative approach is successfully creating opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Source: jalisco.gob.mx
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