December 11, 2019

Governors Gavin Newsom, Jaime Bonilla of Baja California, and Carlos Mendoza Davis of Baja California Sur, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding reestablishing the Commission of the Californias. The initiative creates a binational forum to share information on common interests and issues, as well as discussing strategies to approach a solution together. The three governors agreed that the Commission opens the door for business and cultural exchanges within the three states and strengthen existing connections.

Earlier this year, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, serving as the Governor’s Representative for Trade and International Affairs, led a delegation to Mexico City to open the California Trade and Services Desk in Mexico which will work to expand partnerships in cooperation, trade, and investment. Chamber Vice President Paola Avila took part in the delegation trip, where delegates met with various federal government agencies including Foreign Affairs, Commerce, and Agriculture. In addition, the State of California signed a collaboration agreement on sustainable agriculture; an agreement to expand relations in trade, investment, energy, and environmental policy; and a third agreement on clean energy.

The commitment signed by the three Governors builds on a history of collaboration and understanding between the three states and our binational community.