Microsoft invests $1.1B in Mexico

By Sierra Juarez

MICHOACAN, Mexico (AA) - Microsoft announced Thursday it would invest $1.1 billion during the next five years to drive digital transformation in Mexico.

The money will go toward creating a new cloud data center region so that products like Office 365 are “delivered” to “Mexico’s public entities, organizations and Mexican society,” the company said about “Innovation for Mexico.”

“There is only one future, and it will be digital,” said General Manger of Microsoft Mexico Enrique Perezyera. “Mexico is well positioned to harness the power of new technologies, and by jointly working with Microsoft, the country will make this future a reality.”

The company also announced it would develop educational and skill programs. Microsoft, in collaboration with public universities, will create three laboratories and a virtual classroom to teach digital skills.

With the money, Microsoft will also develop artificial intelligence (AI) in the region. One experimental project will use AI for environmental conservation.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the investment is proof Mexico is competitive and can attract international companies.

He credited the government’s efforts to pass a trade agreement between Mexico, Canada and the United States (USMCA) as part of the reason for Microsoft’s investment.

“It helps us a lot that we have signed the USMCA because this means that businesses are going to amplify and they’re going to require more technology,” the president said in a news conference.