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-Editorial
Nearly 100 business owners, community, and government leaders from San Diego and Baja California are in Mexico City this week to champion U.S.-Mexico relations and advance issues critical to the success of the binational business community.
After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 15th annual Binational Delegation to Mexico City is back with a list of priorities to advance the border region. The group started their meetings today with a discussion on the economy, USMCA, and the U.S.-Mexico relationship with Roberto Velasco, Chief Officer for North America from the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE). Following that meeting representatives from the delegation joined together for a press conference to share trip priorities.
“While this is our first trip back to Mexico City since the pandemic, our efforts to support and strengthen our binational voice have been going strong,” said Jerry Sanders, Chamber President, and CEO. “These trips are so important to the Chamber’s work to establish a strong relationship with Mexico’s leadership and business leaders.
This week, we are building on that foundation to tell our region’s story and advocate for the projects and policies that are crucial to our binational region.”
“I’m grateful to join the Mexico City Delegation at a time when our binational region is closer than ever,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “The partnership between San Diego and Tijuana on the World Design Capital, the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry, and our agreement to jointly address Tijuana River Valley pollution all demonstrate the value of continuing to nurture our relationship with Mexico to create a better binational region for all of us.”
“It’s a pleasure to be part of the Chamber’s 2022 Binational Delegation Trip, an encounter between US and Mexican authorities where infrastructure, economy, migration, and environmental priorities will be addressed. Strengthening the binational agenda is a priority for our region, especially after together achieving the World Design Capital designation for San Diego and Tijuana in 2024. Let the geography and culture that bring us together be highlighted in more efforts to work together for the benefit and future of our community,” said Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramirez.
“We in California consider Mexico to be our closest and most important foreign partner. We believe this not just because of our significant economic ties, but because we are joined through our shared histories and cultures, by our people, and by our shared fundamental values. This week’s delegation to Mexico City represents a continuation of our commitment to improving the environment, our economies, and the lives of our people,” said California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis.
“The strength of the San Diego-Baja California delegation is an example for border regions around the country and the world,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “The U.S. and Mexico face unprecedented security, environmental and economic challenges in 2022, but the leaders who make up this year’s delegation are as determined as ever to develop solutions for our thriving border region. It’s an honor to work with these distinguished government, community, and business leaders in Mexico City.”
“The economic, social, and cultural power of our binational region depends greatly on the strong relationships and collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico and the commitment to invest equitably in infrastructure projects that ensure economic prosperity and quality of life for our residents,” said Vice Chair Nora Vargas, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “I am proud to join U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, and regional delegates to help advance our binational priorities including infrastructure and environmental projects like the Tijuana River Valley and Otay Mesa East Port of Entry. As a Fronteriza and first binational member of the County Board of Supervisors, I am proud to join this strong delegation and advocate for the US-Mexico Region.”
