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-Editorial
On October 20, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce held a press conference in Mexico City to launch its annual Binational Delegation trip. The delegation, consisting of over 120 business and community leaders from San Diego and Baja California, aims to advocate for issues impacting both sides of the border. Led by Mayor Todd Gloria of San Diego and San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas, the group is focused on strengthening U.S.-Mexico relations and advancing critical matters for the binational business community as the new Mexican administration begins its legislative session.
Speaking at the press conference were San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Sanders, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas, Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, California State Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin, Baja California Senator Gustavo Sanchez, and Consul General Alicia G. Kerber-Palma.
“The Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis is one of the biggest environmental justice issues we have in our region. Only together we can move forward and have this binational region do what is supposed to do and that is to keep our communities safe,” San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas said at the press conference.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said that Cali-Baja is an interconnected mega-region with deep ties that transcend the border itself.
“We have made significant strides with this annual event in critical areas such as the port of entry. Once completed it will enhance our global competitiveness. That is why we are back here to continue collaboration on this issue,” Mayor Gloria said.
Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueno said that the Tijuana-San Diego is one of the most dynamic borders in the world and it has a strong economic workforce that benefits both countries. The Mayor spoke about their collaboration in environmental, education, and cultural ties.
“We will invest in technology, and intelligence, and will make our security even stronger and build strategies with San Diego in terms of public safety,” Burgueno said.
“The Tijuana River Valley’s ongoing pollution crisis is more than just an environmental challenge; it’s a pressing public health and economic issue for both sides of the border. This bi-national delegation to Mexico City offers us a critical opportunity to strengthen partnerships, secure investments, and align infrastructure efforts to benefit our entire region,” said Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre. “By addressing transboundary pollution, improving border efficiency, and supporting sustainable economic growth, we can build a future where communities in the Cali-Baja region thrive. Our region’s strength lies in collaboration, and with the right investments, we will protect our shared environment and unlock new opportunities for prosperity.”
“The California-Baja California region plays a vital role in maintaining crucial cultural and commercial ties between California, the U.S., and Mexico,” said California State Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin. “Enhancing this critical partnership allows us to continue to advance transportation policies and projects that will help border communities thrive today and into the future.”
“From the Senate of the Republic, we have the responsibility to promote the international relationship, in particular with our partner in all aspects, the United States, with which we share a geographic area.”
The trip offers an opportunity for delegates to meet with federal officials, industry leaders, and business organizations to discuss international trade, foreign investment, and policy areas such as workforce development, tourism, and border infrastructure. With a $255 billion economy, the Cali-Baja region represents a significant growth area for sectors including manufacturing, biotech, agriculture, and clean technology.
2023 Trip A Success
Last year, the delegation’s agenda emphasized the importance of border infrastructure, environmental sustainability, trade opportunities through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and energy sector developments. Among the key discussions, the delegation addressed challenges surrounding transboundary water pollution, with upcoming projects in Tijuana aimed at building wastewater treatment plants to mitigate cross-border environmental impacts. Investment from both U.S. and Mexican federal governments has been secured for these infrastructure improvements, a result of previous advocacy efforts.
Water scarcity was also a focal point, as delegates met with International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) Commissioner Adriana Reséndez and North American Development Bank (NADBank) CEO Salvador López. They discussed the role of public-private partnerships in achieving water sustainability for the region. Other sustainability topics included transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, enhancing access to renewable energy, and adapting to Mexico’s evolving energy regulations.
The delegation also delved into migration issues during discussions with the U.S. Embassy and Mexico’s National Institute of Migration, which covered the root causes of migration and ongoing efforts by the Mexican government to collaborate with Central and South American nations. Additionally, Roberto Velasco, Chief Officer for North America at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE), promised to address the prolonged border wait times that hinder southbound traffic between San Diego and Tijuana.
Key meetings with Mexican federal agencies focused on border infrastructure efficiency, including investments in technology to expedite customs processes and improve resource allocation at land ports of entry. Delegates were briefed on new measures to reduce congestion along trade corridors and optimize border crossings.
The delegation met with prominent figures from Mexican Senate commissions overseeing North America Foreign Affairs, Border and Migration Affairs, Economy, Public Health, and USMCA Implementation. These conversations provided insights into the complex challenges faced by both countries in managing the border region.
