October 27, 2022

Nearly 100 business, community, and government leaders from San Diego and Baja California met in Mexico City this week to champion U.S.-Mexico relations and advance issues critical to the success of the binational business community.

After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 15th annual Binational Delegation to Mexico City is back with a list of priorities to advance the border region. The group started their meetings on Monday, October 24 with a discussion on the economy, USMCA, and the U.S.-Mexico relationship with Roberto Velasco, Chief Officer for North America from the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

Delegates received a thorough briefing from a team of water-related agencies, including the Gen. Director of the National Water Commission, that shared the detail of the plans for the combined nearly $500,000,000 USD investment to address the Tijuana water discharge issue.

A strong focus was given to the Otay East POE progress, including the signing of the toll revenue sharing agreement between SANDAG and the Mexican federal government — a landmark milestone achievement in this key priority for the region.

Delegates also participated in meetings with the Foreign Affairs Secretary’s office, where the officials expressed their focus on the development in the south of Mexico.

Delegates visited the Mexico Senate for a breakfast discussion with 6 federal senators, including the President of the Senate, and the heads of the energy commission, among others. Immigration, border wait times, and especially infrastructure needs of the region centered around energy.

The final session included a very interesting discussion with two key leaders of the federal tourism Secretariat, who shared aspects of their marketing and product development plans for Mexico, as well as investment opportunities.

The participation from leaders from local, state, and federal levels of government spoke to the importance of the relationship and the connections that can be made at this trip, which is one-third of our important delegation trips, with the others being Sacramento and D.C.

Read more here. Photos: Sunday Reception | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3