• Mexico is racing against time for energy investment in an increasingly competitive global environment. Without competitive conditions, Mexico will not be able to reduce its energy dependence.
• Regarding unconventional resources and the announcement by the academic group, international experience is clear: without a model that fosters a virtuous cycle between the State, industry, and its people, their development will not be viable.

At the tenth edition of the 2026 National Petroleum Convention, held last week, the Mexican Association of Hydrocarbon Companies (AMEXHI) reaffirmed its commitment to Mexico's energy development and highlighted collaboration as a key element in consolidating the sector as a strategic pillar of the country.

During the opening ceremony, Alberto de la Fuente, president of AMEXHI, emphasized that PEMEX's strategic projects, such as Trión and Zama, are the result of collaboration with the industry. These developments involve investments exceeding US$20 billion—with at least half coming from private capital—and currently contribute approximately 9% of national production, demonstrating the importance of maintaining investment in exploration and having clear and stable regulatory frameworks.

He also noted that the sector faces significant challenges such as complex regulatory processes, payment delays, and operational difficulties that impact investment. Added to this is the growing dependence on imported natural gas: currently, Mexico imports around 75% of its national consumption, while the reserve replacement rate over the last two years has been the lowest in the last decade.

This environment not only limits the sector's development but also poses risks to the country's energy security, in a global context where at least 14 countries have open bidding rounds and are actively competing for the same capital. In this scenario, it was emphasized that if Mexico seeks to revitalize its energy potential, it is essential to strengthen its competitiveness and create conditions that allow it to attract sustained investment.

In this regard, the Convention made it clear that the strategy cannot be limited to a single approach. While the development of unconventional resources has been key in countries like Argentina to strengthen their energy security, as highlighted by executives from companies such as YPF and Tecpetrol, it is equally fundamental to reactivate exploration in conventional fields with potential, diversifying investment opportunities and avoiding concentrating efforts on a single front.

In this context, and in relation to the recent announcements regarding the group of scientists who will assist the Federal Government in analyzing the development of unconventional resources, the Convention emphasized that international experience is clear: the development of these resources requires specific conditions that create a virtuous cycle between the State, the industry, and the people.

Cases like that of Petrobras demonstrate how a sustained commitment to exploration, along with private sector participation, can trigger a new cycle of growth and revitalize a state-owned company.

Furthermore, as part of the agenda, a panel focused on the social impact of the industry was held, in which beneficiaries of programs promoted by companies in the sector shared, in their own words, how these initiatives have changed their lives and those of their communities. This forum highlighted that energy development, when implemented with social and environmental responsibility, can translate into real opportunities and well-being for people.

From this perspective, the Convention called for building a shared vision to accelerate investment, strengthen domestic production, and ensure the full utilization of the country's energy potential. Participants agreed that moving in this direction requires not only effective collaboration between authorities and businesses, but also a long-term vision that reduces external dependence and positions Mexico as a competitive destination for energy investment, emphasizing that the time to act is now.