MEXICO PREPARES FOR TRUMP'S MASS DEPORTATION PROGRAMME

MEXICO CITY, Jan 24 (Bernama-AA) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday that Mexico is developing employment programmes for expatriated Mexicans expected to be deported under President Donald Trump's recent executive orders, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

Sheinbaum explained that her administration's economic plan, designed to boost the Mexican economy, also aims to provide opportunities for Mexicans who may be forced to return from the United States.

As part of the "Plan Mexico" initiative, Sheinbaum's strategy to strengthen the country's industrial sector has the support of the Business Coordinating Council—the largest business bloc in Mexico, representing over 2,000 organisations and nearly 80 per cent of the nation's GDP—which has pledged to create 35,000 jobs for returning Mexican nationals.

"We have a very good relationship with the Business Coordinating Council and are in constant communication, both with the council formed for the Mexico Plan and the Business Coordinating Council in general.

"We thank them for offering nearly 35,000 job positions for Mexicans who might be deported from the United States. These positions vary across industries, including manufacturing," said Sheinbaum.

"Plan Mexico" is Sheinbaum's response to the challenges posed by Trump's policies. The initiative aims to position Mexico among the top 10 global economies, increase annual investment to over 25 per cent of GDP, create 1.5 million additional jobs, and ensure that at least 50 per cent of goods and supplies are made in Mexico.

Trump's deportations are not limited to Mexican nationals.

As a transit country, Mexico has harboured asylum seekers from different nationalities, which has raised concerns for Mexico as millions of immigrants could be pushed into Mexican territory.

-- BERNAMA-AA