Amazon to Build Digital Region in Querétaro with $5 Billion Investment

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud services arm of Amazon, has announced a historic investment of $5 billion to develop a new digital region in Querétaro, Mexico. This initiative will connect multiple data centers to provide cloud computing services from Mexico, positioning the country as a technological hub in Latin America.

The Economic Impact of the Project

Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, emphasized the significant economic impact this project will have on the country. According to his projections, it will add $10 billion to Mexico's GDP over the next 15 years and generate over 7,000 jobs annually starting in 2025. This is seen as a major boost to the national economy, particularly as it lays the foundation for Mexico’s digital infrastructure.

One of the cornerstones of this project is training Mexican talent. Ebrard revealed that over 400,000 individuals will be trained to manage the digital infrastructure being built in Querétaro. This initiative is part of a broader effort that began in 2017, with AWS having already trained 500,000 Mexicans in technology. In the coming year, the company plans to train an additional 200,000 people in collaboration with institutions like the National Technological Institute of Mexico (ITM) and Conalep.

Paula Bellizia, CEO of AWS in Latin America, stated that this digital region will place Mexico at the heart of technological development in the region. "Our investment aims to be a catalyst for the socio-economic and technological progress of Mexico," she said, reinforcing AWS’s commitment to the country’s future.

Artificial Intelligence and Economic Benefits

One of the most exciting aspects of this investment is the role that artificial intelligence (AI) will play in its development. According to a recent study, AI powered by cloud computing is projected to contribute $19 billion to Mexico’s economy by 2030. Moreover, the productivity gains from AI are expected to increase by $900 per worker over the same period.

Bellizia underscored that the digital infrastructure will help accelerate the digital transformation of businesses of all sizes and enable local and national governments to improve public services. "We are here to stay. This investment is much more than just infrastructure; it’s a bet on the sustainable development and technological innovation of Mexico," she said.

AWS selected Querétaro for this project due to its strategic location, robust logistics infrastructure, availability of talent, and excellent connectivity. These factors make the state an ideal place for Amazon to build a digital region that will benefit not just Mexico, but the entire Latin American region.

A Vision for the Future

The announcement of this investment took place during a morning conference with President Claudia Sheinbaum. The President highlighted the immense potential of Mexico as a leader in technology and innovation, saying, "This investment demonstrates that Mexico has a great present and an even more promising future."

Amazon Web Services is one of the world’s largest and most widely used cloud platforms, offering over 440 services. Some of its most popular offerings include cloud storage, computing power, databases, and AI-driven applications. Bellizia emphasized that AWS’s goal is to democratize access to advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing, fostering a more equitable, innovative, and globally competitive Mexico.

"The goal is to continue developing the talent in Mexico that will drive this transformation. By 2026, we aim to train 200,000 more workers in cloud computing and AI," Bellizia added.

With the opening of this digital region, AWS is not just investing in infrastructure but in the future of Mexico and Latin America. As Mexico continues to embrace new technologies, Amazon’s commitment to the country underscores the growing importance of digital transformation in the region.