The Cali-Baja region boasts several key points driving its development, among which Ensenada, Baja California , stands out . This city is distinguished by integrating the strengthening of its logistics infrastructure with a knowledge economy , geared towards developing specialized human talent, which is why it could be compared to Silicon Valley (California), according to Héctor Uraga, president of the Ensenada Economic Development Council (Codeen) .
“We are evolving towards a knowledge economy. What we must do is add more value to our products and promote the development of clusters in biotechnology, aerospace, and renewable energy to reduce dependence and deepen North American integration,” Uraga explained in an interview with T21.
Ensenada not only relies on primary sectors like fishing and agriculture, but has also evolved into high-tech industries such as biotechnology and semiconductors . Its strategic location and integration with other markets have allowed it to rise to become an economic leader in the region. “Within a three-hour radius (of Ensenada), you’re in a market of more than 30 to 40 million consumers,” Uraga pointed out.
The municipality has positioned itself as an innovation hub with 25 universities and research units in key sectors , such as the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE) and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CNyN) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) . This ecosystem fosters the development of patents and technology-based companies that export advanced solutions in areas such as biofertilizers derived from seaweed.
“For example, it’s a practical case. I have a consulting firm and I was advising a PhD in biotechnology. He has his own company (…) and he made biofertilizers from seaweed and they started offering biotechnology for organic vegetables, tomatoes, squash, strawberries. Then this is exported to the United States,” Uraga shared.
The market of opportunities also extends to the energy sector , Uraga emphasized, where the area functions as an “energy island” that generates and exports clean energy, including solar and wind, primarily to the United States. The presence of natural gas projects and the push for green hydrogen in the area place Ensenada at the forefront of modern environmental policies.
Logistics infrastructure, a central axis for Ensenada
The president of Codeen pointed out that the Port of Ensenada is the gateway for goods from various parts of the world, primarily Asia . “We are the best-located strategic port on the Pacific, the closest to the United States and Canada,” he emphasized. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the Port of Ensenada handled 89,355 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 10.7% decrease compared to the same period in 2025; and its customs office collected 9,003.24 million pesos (MXN) in the first quarter of the year, representing a 143.4% year-over-year increase.
Regarding infrastructure projects, Uraga shared that there are projections for the municipality such as the Punta Colonet port , a terminal with a draft capacity of 17.5 meters that will have an area of 2,769 hectares with a port facility of 83 hectares, whose construction is scheduled in three stages between 2026 and 2035, and which seeks to project the state as a logistics hub in international trade, according to information from the Baja California government.
The executive noted that new railway lines are also planned , with which they seek to improve connectivity with the rest of Mexico and the United States, in addition to investments in highways.
Uraga believes the Cali-Baja region is one of the world’s largest markets. “If California and Baja California were a single country, we would be the fourth largest economy in the world.” By 2026, the main challenge will be attracting capital to scale local businesses and strengthen regional production chains .
“Infrastructure, consolidation in technological sectors, and turning growth into development (…) there are many patents, many scientists, and a lot of intellectual capital. What we have to do now is bring them angel capital or seed capital so that these ventures can grow,” he emphasized.
Uraga pointed out that Ensenada could be compared to Silicon Valley because of its location on the coast and because it is a key point in technological and talent development.
“Ensenada could be the Silicon Valley of Cali-Baja. We have the talent, research centers, and quality of life necessary for entrepreneurs to work from here for companies anywhere in the world, from Asia to Europe,” he concluded.
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