October 23, 2025
A delegation of more than 100 business and community leaders from San Diego and Baja California – including Mayor Todd Gloria, Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño, Mayor John McCann, Mayor Ron Morrison, and Mayor John Duncan- traveled to Mexico City to champion economic and political ties between the U.S. and Mexico, and advance regional priorities to make the CaliBaja the best place to live and work. The trip took place October 12 – 15, 2025.
Click Here for 2025 Delegation Pictures
A year since the administration took office, delegates brought forward our region’s priorities and continued to advance initiatives, infrastructure, policies and projects that help our business and community thrive. The trip agenda covered diverse issues that are critical to CaliBaja’s prosperity, including water management and infrastructure, Mexico’s energy policies, public safety, and economic development and trade opportunities through USMCA.
During our water management and infrastructure session, delegates extended our appreciation to the Mexican Federal Government for the completion of the rehabilitation of the main water treatment plant in Tijuana (San Antonio de los Buenos) and further advance other projects under Minute 328. Representatives from CONAGUA and the Mexican section of the IBWC shared with our delegates that another Minute will be signed by the end of the year in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that further addresses the transboundary pollution crisis. Building on previous conversations, the Chamber elevated the importance of the renegotiation of the Colorado River treaty to our region, and the administration committed to creating working groups to facilitate engagement and communication with community stakeholders. As part of the Chamber’s efforts to champion bilateral collaboration on this key priority, the team worked with the Prebys Foundation commissioning an all-inclusive Two-Pager report summarizing the Tijuana River Valley transboundary pollution issue and enlists next steps to move the needle in benefit of our region. A full report will follow and continue to guide conversations and action on both sides of the border to mitigate transboundary polluted flows.
Other conversations covered the energy sector, which is another vital resource for our binational region. The Secretariat of Energy shared efforts to generate 80% of clean energy by 2030 and 20% would be fossil fuel based. Undersecretary Islas highlighted the importance of having public-private partnerships to achieve 12 Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) projects which include photovoltaic, batteries, combined cycle, and internal combustion engine bringing a total investment of $23.4M (US).
The Ministry of Economy highlighted Mexico’s strong economic momentum and strategic position in global trade. With the lowest average U.S. tariff rate at 6.2%, Mexico has advanced from the 15th to the 12th largest economy since 2018 and aims to reach the top ten by 2030. Through “Plan México”, the Ministry seeks to promote industrial transformation and attract investment with tax incentives and targeted development zones. Ahead of the USMCA review, Mexico is focused on preserving tariff-free trade, ensuring regulatory certainty, and strengthening regional value chains. The Ministry of Economy also recently introduced a new investor support model to streamline processes and improve coordination across federal and state agencies.
Tourism authorities highlighted Mexico’s global leadership in natural tourism resources and ongoing efforts to position the country among the world’s top five most visited destinations through sustainability, connectivity, and international promotion. They emphasized the U.S. as Mexico’s most important tourism market and showcased the “Two-Nation Vacation” model as a national example of successful binational collaboration. New initiatives with U.S. cities are linking tourism promotion to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with host cities Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City preparing to showcase Mexico’s culture and hospitality. The Ministry also discussed strategies to enhance travelers’ perceptions of safety and authenticity, connectivity projects such as the Mayan Train, and opportunities for business engagement tied to the World Cup. In preparation for the December 5th FIFA draft, tourism agencies are digitalizing Pueblos Mágicos to improve visitor experiences and attract international travelers.
We partnered with national business organizations, COPARMEX and COMCE, which discussed concerns over proposed constitutional reforms, potential centralization of power, and ongoing security challenges that continue to affect business confidence. This resonated with insights shared by Banamex on the second day of the trip, which noted Mexico’s shifting GDP dynamics and a forecast of steady but less dominant export and nearshoring activity. Business leaders emphasized the need for stronger investor protections and stable economic policies and highlighted improved dialogue with the current administration and their involvement in Plan México, focused on enhancing rail connectivity, boosting exports, and expanding clean energy opportunities, particularly in the north. The group also underscored the importance of the Cuarto de Junto (USMCA’s advisory council) and continued private-sector advocacy, while identifying clean energy investment and the use of AI and technology to strengthen supply chains as key areas for future growth.
During the meeting with Roberto Velasco, recently appointed Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ratified while we were in Mexico City, he provided a comprehensive update on key binational priorities. This included progress on Otay II, with the signing of an MOU between SANDAG and SICT to initiate construction on the U.S. side and incorporate new technologies for daily operations. Velasco also discussed ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Minute 328, with projects expected to conclude by 2027, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to securing additional funding through Congress. He shared updates on Mexico’s preparation for the USMCA review, emphasizing the importance of coordination with U.S. and Canadian counterparts. The conversation touched on the protection of Mexicans working in key economic sectors in the U.S., the administration’s public safety strategy and cooperation with the U.S. on arms trafficking and organized crime, such as an information-sharing pilot program in Texas that may be expanded along the border. Additional topics included the binational water-sharing framework, modernization of air cargo infrastructure, and efforts to stabilize cattle prices following the New World screwworm outbreak. Velasco also noted continued dialogue with U.S. officials to address the impact of tariffs on trade and regional competitiveness.
Delegates were, once again, hosted by the Senate’s Commission of Foreign Affairs – Northern Border for an annual meeting that has become a cornerstone of the trip. As Senators were called to ratify – now- Undersecretary of North America, Roberto Velasco, delegates met with the President of the Senate Commission of Economy, Senator Emmanuel Reyes Carmona, and the President of the Senate Commission of the Northern Border, Juan Carlos Loera de la Rosa. The conversation touched on the passage of customs legislation and the concerns from the business sector. While this legislation will be implemented, senators shared interest in collaborating with business leaders and federal agencies to address concerns.
Here’s what our regional leaders shared about the 19th Annual Binational Delegation to Mexico City:
“Bringing together leaders from both sides of the border for this trip is essential to strengthening our regional economy,” said Chris Cate, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “These conversations in Mexico City give us the chance to directly advocate for the priorities that matter most to our region’s businesses and families. When we show up as a united, binational delegation, it underscores the unique role our region plays in driving prosperity and opportunity across Cali-Baja.”
“This year’s annual visit of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to Mexico City is especially important, as it is an opportunity to continue promoting the bilateral trade of goods along the Cali-Baja megaregion ahead of the USMCA review. Representatives from all three levels of government, private organizations, and cross-border institutions are committed to this endeavor,” said Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego.
“The Chamber’s binational delegation to Mexico City reinforces how essential our partnership with Mexico is to the success of the entire Cali-Baja region,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I look forward to this opportunity to advocate for trade policy that benefits our businesses, as well as to press for additional, substantive action to address the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis. When leaders from both sides of the border come together, we advance solutions that create jobs, drive investment, and improve the quality of life for all of us.”
“I am pleased to take part in this event organized by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, where we have the opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relationship. Our objectives are clear: to reinforce our institutional presence before authorities and organizations on both sides of the border; to promote infrastructure and regional development projects; and to solidify our strategic relationship with the private sector of our neighboring country. I am committed to working together for the benefit of Tijuana and the binational region,” said Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño.
The delegation represented a diverse mix of regional leaders, industry organizations, and elected officials from both sides of the border including:
- Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego
- Consul Jose Antonio Gonzalez, Consulate of the Czech Republic in Baja California
- Congressmembers for the State of Baja California Ana Erika Santana Gonzalez, Gilberto Herrera Solórzano, and Rocío López Gorosave
- Assemblymembers for the State of Baja California Jamie Eduardo Canton, Adrian Humberto Valle, and Evelyn Sanchez
- San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
- Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño
- Chula Vista Mayor John McCann
- Coronado Mayor John Duncan
- National City Mayor Ron Morrison
- Secretary of Economic Development in Tijuana Pedro Montejo
- Secretary of Economic Development in Mexicali Francisco Perez Tejada
- San Diego City Councilmembers Marni von Wilpert, Vivian Moreno, and Stephen Whitburn
- Tijuana City Councilmembers Pablo Yañez Placencia and Lemuel Ramirez
- Chula Vista City Councilmembers Carolina Chavez, Cesar Fenandez, and Michael Inzunza
- Otay Water District Director Delfina Gonzalez and Mark Robak
- Sweetwater Authority Directors Hector Martinez and Paulina Martinez-Perez
Media Coverage:
Our trip to Mexico City generated significant media coverage, with over 40 mentions across various platforms, reaching an audience of over 333 million. This proves the widespread interest in the economic and cross-border initiatives the Chamber advocated for. Major domestic national outlets such as Yahoo! And MSN featured the trip, alongside robust local coverage in San Diego and Tijuana. This extensive media presence highlights the importance of the binational collaboration as well as our relationships’ impact on our region’s economic development.
