Dynamic Poles of Industrialization: The Modern and Maquila Industries. Nuevo León, 1988-1995

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effects that the macroeconomic model of trade liberalization exerts on competitivity, firms and employment, on both the modern and maquila industries within the metropolitan area of Monterrey. This study shows that such model is based on both poles of the region's industrial growth, which is shown through the production growth, exports and job creation. The paper emphasizes that the employment growth is unequal: while very dynamic in the maquila, industry on the other hand it is very sluggish in the modern one. Likewise, it highlights that both industries involve antagonic social offers. The modern industry, although with a slow rate of employment growth, generates sources of highly remunerated qualified labour. Contrarily, the maquila, with a dynamic employment offer, generates jobs that have no need for qualification and offer minimum wages. The conclusion derives from the question: Which of both tendencies will be dominant in the future of Monterrey's industrialization?