Mexico's economy yet to rescue its poor

Despite a tough economic climate, Mexico was been weathering the storm thanks to a free trade agreement with the United States that gives it access to the world's largest consumer market.

But brisk trade aside, reforms needed to ensure sustained growth - particularly in the labour and energy sectors - will be put on hold ahead of a presidential election in 2012.

There is hope the next president will continue with policies that will grow the economy and rescue nearly half of the country's population that still lives in poverty.

Al Jazeera's Frank Contreras reports from Mexico City.