Despite the fact that micro, small and medium-sized companies (MSMEs) account for 99% of the industrial fabric and create the majority of jobs, their productivity is extremely low compared with that of large companies. To redress this situation, the region must develop production chains comprising different-sized companies —and especially MSMEs— in order to boost job creation and wages as a way to reduce the heterogeneity of its economies. Further internationalization of these companies, particularly in their exporting activities, contributes to improve productivity and the labor conditions of their workers.