MEXICO CITY, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Crime has become the main factor hindering Mexico's economic growth, said a report.

 

Rising crime has become one of the biggest obstacles to attracting private investment to spur economic growth in Mexico, said the Center for Economic Studies of the Private Sector (CEESP) in its weekly report.

 

"The unprecedented high levels of violence, the strengthening of organized crime, extortion and the constant impunity that prevails in the justice system are problems that threaten the peace, stability and well-being of society," it added.

 

The CEESP called for implementing an "effective and comprehensive" national strategy, improving the public security system and the administration of justice, as well as consolidating the autonomy of the General Prosecutor's Office and the offices of state prosecutors.

 

"We must improve the professionalization of the police at all levels, improve the country's intelligence systems and reformulate social rehabilitation policy," it said.