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Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego, President of Grupo Salinas, warned that the era of dollar supremacy is nearing its end and sketched a future where Bitcoin and gold play dominant roles while speaking at Future Investment Initiative (FII9) 2025 in Riyadh. In an exclusive conversation with Times Network, he noted, “The number one trend we’re seeing today is the debasement of the dollar as the international reserve currency.” He also said that the world today is realising that printed money is not real. “Bitcoin and gold will have a new monetary role going forward that’s as serious as it gets,” he added. He argued that the reliance on fiat systems is waning, as investors seek refuge in real assets and decentralised money because they can no longer trust traditional currency systems. Critique Of Central Bank Policies He criticised central banks and governmental debt policies. “The world is waking up to the reality that printed money is not real wealth,” he said, pointing to excessive money printing and political meddling in monetary policy as major factors undermining confidence. He added, “Monetary policy across the world has been extremely lax. Low interest rates scare away savers who feel unfairly compensated for saving. Central banks keep rates low because it’s convenient for governments with high debt, but it’s not good for investment.” Manufacturing, Trade, And India’s Prospects Turning to industrial policy, Salinas dismissed efforts to reshore manufacturing in the US as “misguided and nostalgic.” As he put it: “The idea of nine-to-five factory jobs in America is long gone — modern manufacturing is robotic and capital-intensive, not labour-intensive anymore.” On the issue of global trade and tariffs, he noted: “Tariffs take time for businesses to adapt to, and in most cases, they raise costs and limit opportunity.” Regarding India, he praised the country’s innovative spirit but warned of structural red tape: “India is a beautiful country with huge potential, but there are still too many bureaucratic obstacles to business and investment.” He revealed that Grupo Salinas has a joint venture in India’s medical-equipment sector focusing on “fast medicine and diagnostic labs,” but clarified that entering the insurance or financial services market is not on the immediate agenda: “We already have enough challenges managing our Mexican businesses.” Next Financial Era Salinas highlights the importance of tangible assets and technological advancement in shaping tomorrow’s prosperity. “We’re entering an era where sound money, innovation, and digital transformation will define prosperity. Those who understand this shift will lead the next chapter of growth,” he asserted. About FII9 Under the theme “The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth,” FII9 convenes the world’s most influential policymakers, innovators, investors, and heads of state to shape strategies for sustainable and inclusive global development. Organised by the FII Institute, a global nonprofit focused on driving progress through investments in AI and robotics, sustainability, healthcare, and education, the event transforms bold ideas into actionable solutions with real-world impact.
