March 15, 2019

We applaud Senator Feinstein (CA) for her recent work to secure language requiring the IBWC and Department of State to report to Congress on their work to “mitigate transboundary pollution including a description of efforts taken by federal agencies to implement measures addressing increased flows since 2017, feasibility studies for sediment basins in the Tijuana River and tributary washes and the installation of additional trash booms”.

In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. International Boundary and Water Commissioner Jayne Harkins, the Senator reiterated these concerns and called for action. Earlier this year, Sen. Feinstein and our San Diego Congressional delegation secured $15 million in funds for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program for water infrastructure improvements along the U.S.-Mexico border preventing sewage flows into the United States.

This issue is at the forefront of our policy work and will be one of the main discussion topics during our upcoming delegation trip to Mexico City.

March 15, 2019

Chamber VP, Paola Avila joined Davin Lopez President, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance of New Mexico & Luis Ramirez President, Ramirez Advisors Inter-National of Arizona on a panel regarding border development at the XVIII Congressional Border Issues and NAFTA/USMCA Conference in Washington, D.C. hosted by the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. Paola shared insight about our region’s interdependence with Baja California and the deep collaborative ties which have enabled us to achieve great success such as the Cross Border Xpress and the expansion and renovations at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The border region represents opportunity for San Diego and leaders across the globe are pointing to this example as a model.

March 15, 2019

In February, SAT, the Mexican Customs agency, established a new binational working group to advance infrastructure projects. The working group meets every two to three weeks and has prioritized 10 projects to focus their efforts. These projects include Otay Mesa East POE (Otay 2), and the proposed rail port of entry at Tecate featuring joint inspection facilities.

The working group includes representatives from SANDAG, Caltrans, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Mexican Customs authorities, General Services Administration and its counterpart in Mexico, INDAABIN, as well as the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation, and the local U.S., Mexican Consul Generals, as well as representatives from the private sector including the Chamber which has actively participated to advocate for efficient border infrastructure.

At the most recent meeting, Mexico’s top customs administrator flew in from Mexico City to attend the meeting after a morning ceremony celebrating the opening of Mexican customs operations at Matrix, the air cargo park in Tijuana. The project, which the Chamber has formally supported, was one of the working group’s priority projects.

The Tijuana International Air Cargo and Logistics Park (Matrix) is a tremendous asset for our region facilitating cross-border commerce between Mexico, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Adjacent to the Tijuana Airport, Matrix serves companies such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, Aeromexico and Volaris Cargo, and includes on-site Mexican customs authorities, a bonded warehouse, office space for freight forwarders, customs agents, banking services, food concessions and the Mexican Postal Service. The air cargo park was built by a subsidiary of Grupo Bustamante, a real estate development business organization owned by Carlos Bustamante, former Mayor of Tijuana. Future plans include U.S. Customs pre-inspection operations that allow cargo carriers to expedite shipments between the U.S. and Mexico.

March 15, 2019

We applaud Governor Newsom in his recent announcement as he signed an executive order establishing the International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee and assigning Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis as the Governor’s representative for International Affairs and Trade Development where she will advise the Governor on international opportunities. Lt. Governor Kounalakis will serve as the chair of the committee with Lenny Mendoca, Chief Economic and Business Advisor serving as vice-chair. The committee will focus on increasing the state of California’s global presence and reopening international trade offices.

The Chamber has long advocated for the reestablishment of a trade and investment office in  Mexico City to strengthen the California and Mexico’s economic partnership.

With over 565,000 California jobs supported by trade with Mexico, our state is the only border state without a trade office in Mexico. Among other things, a trade office would promote state businesses, aid with business delegations and trade shows, local government advocacy, and provide information and support on incentive packages, site selection, local workforce, and facilitating regulatory systems and permits.