July 7, 2017

The Chamber along with our partners at the Otay Chamber are supporting efforts by Congressman Juan Vargas to secure funding in the federal budget for the expansion of the existing Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry. “The Improvement and Renovation Project,” was included in President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal for $121.84 million, and now our advocacy must reach Washington policymakers who will be drafting budget proposals in the coming months.

This project would help alleviate the high border wait times that, for decades, have affected the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Tecate region. The proposed improvements include adding new non-commercial inspection booths, pedestrian facilities, and a commercial annex building. These improvements will help make the Cali-Baja border a more effective place for trade and commerce.

July 7, 2017

This proposal continues to gain momentum throughout the state whose stakeholders recognize the immense opportunity a trade office in Mexico can offer California businesses and entrepreneurs. California has the sixth largest economy in the world and a leading trade and investment partner, yet we are the only border state without a trade office in Mexico.

International trade currently supports more than 775,000 California jobs, and foreign-owned companies employ over 631,500 workers in California. Customers in over 229 countries around the world buy California-grown and manufactured goods and services. We can make great strides in job growth and economic development by promoting foreign investment opportunities in California and assisting our businesses interested in expanding into the Mexican market.

Click here to add your name to a letter of support.

July 7, 2017

A concession payment will be made by the end of the month to confirm Baja Rail’s ownership of the Desert Line, which connects San Diego with Plaster City, passing through Tijuana and Tecate in Mexico. Phase 1 of the rehabilitation of the railroad will begin shortly after and is expected to start operations a year to a year and a half later.

Ambassador Marcela Celorio at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego is coordinating the Diplomatic Note from the Mexican government required to reestablish commercial operations at the Tecate-Campo border crossing. The next step will be to reach agreements between several entities within U.S. and Mexican governments.

The desert line will increase the competitiveness of the Cali-Baja region while facilitating integration with regional border development.

July 7, 2017

Rodulfo Figueroa, Baja Delegate of INAMI, has announced that the opening of the southbound pedestrian entrance at the western side of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, known as PedWest, will occur by the end of July. Figueroa explained the challenges and concerns that delayed the southbound opening of PedWest to the public. These included lack of personnel, signage, and transportation options at the point of entry to Tijuana. SIMNSA has sponsored the construction of sidewalks and bridges to facilitate access to their health center located close to PedWest, but the City of Tijuana is being urged to work on infrastructure to welcome pedestrians in a secure and efficient way.

July 7, 2017

The 4^th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference was held at the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute on June 14^th, 2017, in Washington D.C. Co-hosted by the Border Trade Alliance, the conference focused on improving border management aiming to fortify the competitiveness of both countries.

The guest speakers included

• Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey
• Acting CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan
• Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX)
• Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S., Geronimo Gutierrez.

Speakers highlighted the importance of a collaborative bilateral framework, border and transportation infrastructure, binational economic development, and continuous efforts on both sides to support security and efficiency in border management.

On behalf of our region, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastelum, provided remarks at the luncheon which focused on their pride for the San Diego/Tijuana relationship, and how our department directors meet on a monthly basis to discuss key issues of concern and promoting cross-border business.

Discussing the creation of border policy during a complex political environment, Governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey, commented “Trade is not a problem to solve; it’s an issue to focus on and expand.” The conference concluded with Chamber VP Paola Avila as moderator of the panel on Cross-Border Cooperation for Development: Megaregions, Clusters, and Binational Economic Development.

A key takeaway from this discussion is the importance of not regarding the U.S.-Mexico economic relationship as a win-lose relationship. The true power comes from working together. If the entire border region focused jointly on workforce development, businesses on both sides of the border could grow together. NAFTA’s success can be appreciated not solely on a national level, but in substantial profit creation in cities, border states, and particular industries.

An archive of the event webcast is available here. You can read more of the mayors’ participation here: San Diego Union-Tribune, Times of San Diego

July 7, 2017

A group of U.S.-Mexico stakeholders have been working together since March of 2016  to foster border-wide collaboration on shared goals of prosperity and security. The Chamber was a founding member of this network of private sector, non-profit organizations and academic leaders known as #OneBorder. Members of the group in their support of building bridges that connect the best our two countries have to offer and that by working together a better future is possible for both nations.

Last month, the Wilson Center hosted the #OneBorder stakeholders in D.C. where regional priorities and target message points were shared. Our team held meetings advocating the importance of NAFTA with

• John Melle, Assistant USTR for the Americas, Office of U.S. Trade Representative
• Office of Sen. Cruz (TX)
• Geri Word Office of North and Central America, Department of Commerce

The next #OneBorder meeting: Pathways for Trade, “North America: The Most Competitive Region in the World”, will be held in Laredo, Texas on September 19-20, 2017 at the Texas AM International University – Student Center Ballroom. For more information visit www.oneborder.org.