For Immediate Release: September 25, 2012
Contact: Lorri Crowley (202) 482-3809
Commerce Official COncludes Border Conference Showcasing U.S.-Mexico Trade Relationship
TEMPE, Ariz. – Assistant Secretary of Commerce Michael Camuñez joined with Congressional members, state and local government officials, and business leaders from the U.S.-Mexico border to conclude the first annual “Realizing the Economic Strength of Our 21st Century Border” Conference in Tempe.
The three-day conference highlighted the critical role the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship plays in strengthening the national, state, and local economies for both countries – specifically areas along the border.
“The border region is a place of innovation and a key driver of our nation’s global competitiveness,” Camuñez said. “The border is open for business and should be recognized as a major source of economic strength and job growth.”
In 2011, U.S. exports to Mexico totaled nearly $200 billion, which exceeded U.S. exports to Brazil, Russia, India, and China combined. Mexico is the United States’ second-largest export market and accounted for roughly 13 percent of all U.S. exports. Two-way trade in goods exceeded $460 billion – roughly $1.3 billion each day.
More than 250 people attended the conference co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University. The event brought together U.S. Congressional leaders, senior executives from U.S. and Mexico businesses, and mayors and local leaders from both sides of the border to discuss improving bilateral trade.
The conference supports the 2010 joint declaration by Presidents Obama and Calderon on 21st Century Border Management. The 21st Century Border Management framework is designed to enhance economic competitiveness while augmenting our nation’s security and public safety by supporting a bilateral border master plan process for infrastructure projects in order to increase capacity; expand trusted traveler and shipper programs; and explore opportunities for pre-clearance, pre-inspection, and pre-screening processes for commercial goods and travelers.###
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