By: Carlos FLO Flores
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2023 Binational Delegation to Mexico City on October 8th, 2023, making it the sixteenth time it had done so.
The four-day session with an 80+ person delegation comprised of local leaders in government, business, and nonprofits that included San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego County Supervisor, and Chair Nora Vargas. Former San Diego mayor and President & CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Jerry Sanders kicked things off by thanking everyone who made the trip from southern California. Sanders, “San Diego, California being a border town, it is important to maintain a strong relationship with its southern neighbor.” Among the subjects of discussion were border infrastructure and efficiency, water management and sustainability, immigration and workforce integration, trade and economic opportunities, and Mexico’s 2024 presidential elections.
The event was hosted at the Four Seasons in the popular Zona Reforma, which is known for its world-famous Chapultepec Park, five-star hotels, restaurants, and “El Angel de la Independencia.” (The Angel of Independence).
One of the many reasons why this event has grown in popularity over the years is its ability to secure meetings with high-ranking Mexican government officials. Some of these officials include Miguel Torruco Marques Secretary of Tourism and Roberto Velasco Chief Officer for the North American Unit Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, who was one of Mexico’s main negotiators in the USMCA trade agreement. He spoke about the migrant humanitarian crises at the border and what Mexico is doing to provide solutions. Mexico is receiving an influx of citizens from 130 different countries who are looking to make their way into the United States from its southern border. Many of them arrive in South America and make the grueling journey up north. “What we’re witnessing today is something no country was prepared for.” Velasco Also, part of his discussion was Mexico’s efforts to disrupt fentanyl supply chains by tracking the sixty-nine products that are required to be manufactured.
Another high-ranking Mexican official who spoke at the event was Liliana Padilla Rodriguez, General Director of Investment and Export Promotion Policy, Ministry of Economy. She discussed collaboration with government agencies to advance initiatives and projects that facilitate commercial exchanges between the United States and Mexico and promote economic growth on both sides of the border. Of course, that included the topic of nearshoring, and the five industries Mexico has identified as its growth sectors, Agroindustry, Medical devices and pharmaceutical industry, Automotive/EV, Semiconductor, and Electrical and Electronic industry.
During a separate session with five Mexican senators among them was Baja California senator Gina Cruz and Chihuahua Senator Gustavo Enrique Madero Munoz issues related closer to home in San Diego were a hot topic. Ernesto Bravo, President of Tecma West Division kicked things off by asking their opinions on how to improve border crossing, immigration, nearshoring, and the Tijuana River. Also among the delegates was Imperial County District One Supervisor Jesus Escobar who asked about safety and security for its border towns such as Tijuana and Mexicali. “Nearshoring will not reach its full potential if we cannot ensure the safety of its citizens.” Escobar.
Chula Vista District One Councilwoman Carolina Chavez made sure she expressed her concerns about the long wait times residents on both sides of the border must endure every day. “Some people have to wait two to four hours to cross the border in the morning, work an eight-hour shift, and wait two to three hours to cross back into Mexico.” Chavez. The senators did their best to answer all questions which provided great dialog at the event.
Even with a packed schedule full of meetings and networking receptions, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce staff did a great job keeping everyone on track and delivering a spectacular event. The delegation concluded with a strong understanding of what both countries require to create regional prosperity.
