July 18, 2025

The Chamber hosted a business roundtable discussion with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald D. Johnson to elevate regional priorities including expediting the expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant and the construction of Otay Mesa East Land Port of Entry. Chamber members had the unique opportunity to share the dynamics of the binational region in manufacturing, education, and tourism, and how trade and other policy uncertainty impact our integrated economy. Ambassador Johnson highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration and emphasized that USMCA revision conversations are already taking place especially between Mexico and the U.S. Chamber staff commented on this year’s delegation trip to Mexico City with a request to Ambassador Johnson to meet with our group and potentially host a reception at his residence.

On what marked the first official trip as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ambassador Johnson toured of key binational infrastructure sites alongside high-level officials from both sides of the border. His agenda included visits to the newly completed San Antonio de los Buenos Treatment Plant in Tijuana, and the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Ysidro. In addition, he toured the Otay Mesa East Land Port of Entry to observe the progress of this critical project while highlighting the need to also enhance border security across the entire border. Additional meetings included engagements with Baja California’s state and local public safety authorities, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and a visit across CBX.