September 14, 2018

The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) and its sister organization, BTA Mexico, brought together trade authorities and elected officials from both sides of the border to engage in a conversation on trade and security. The annual joint meeting took place earlier this month in Mexico City and covered key issues for the U.S.-Mexico border region including innovation in cargo processing, investing in technology improvements, and funding opportunities to implement future infrastructure projects.

The roundtable discussion featured:

• S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan
• S. Representatives Henry Cuellar and Filemon Vela from Texas
• Representative Kevin Yoder from Kansas, Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House of Appropriations Committee
• BTA members representing regional ports of entry.

Chamber VP of International Business Affairs, Paola Avila, in her role as Chair of the BTA also participated in the discussion. Avila highlighted the importance of forums such as this one which provide opportunities to promote initiatives and tackle critical issues like Unified Cargo Processing and emerging technology leading to lowering border wait which were discussed in depth.