In the retail world, they say that success depends on three factors: location, location, location. Well, this idea— almost a retail mantra, is one of the key factors in a country’s competitiveness (and one over which countries have absolutely no control). This may partly explain Mexico’s relative success as Latin America’s leading as a high-tech exporter. Its proximity to the U.S., the world’s largest market, certainly helps. While Latin America is beginning to carve out a niche in this area, Mexico is clearly leading the pack. Not only does it rank 12th place globally as a high-tech exporter. Its exports are five times those of the rest of Latin America.

Take a look at this chart: