October 9, 2017

Mexico’s customs (SAT) has announced flexibility regarding donations from abroad to support the victims of the Earthquake. These donations will be authorized without the need to pay neither taxes nor customs agent, and the authorization will only take one day. To see the requirements and suggested articles for donation, click here.

(https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/index.php/avisos/525-how-to-help-the-victims-of-mexico-earthquake-9-19-17)

International donations for Mexico are received through the Mexican Red Cross at: www.cruzrojadonaciones.org

1. Access the website and follow the instructions to create a new account.
2. Enter the credit card information or through a PAYPAL account (the amount is in Mexican pesos MXN) and then select the cause: “SISMO 19/19/17”.
3. Website confirms that the transaction was successful and issues a receipt.

Emergency Collection Centers for delivery to the earthquake victims are implemented only in Mexico, due to logistics.

For specialized international aid, such as humanitarian, medicine, or rescue teams, please contact the General Consulate of Mexico in San Diego to 619-308-9926 or at anoriega@consulmexsd.org

For information regarding US nationals that were in Mexico at the time of the earthquake contact:

202-501-4444

Toll free 1-888-407-4747

www.travel.state.gov  

October 6, 2017

Paola Avila, VP of International Business Affairs and Leadership Development, participated as a panelist at the “Leading the Way: A New Approach to American Immigration Conference” held in Washington D.C. on October 4th. She spoke about how communities from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border are interconnected, and policies related to the border’s most important businesses.

Paola was joined on the panel by

• Art Acevedo, Chief of the Houston Police Department
• Edward Alden, Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
• Sarah Goldfeder, Principal, Earnscliffe Strategy Group and Council of the Great Lakes Region
• Arturo Sarukhan, International Strategic Consultant and Former Mexican Ambassador to the U.S.
• Alfredo Corchado, Mexico Border Correspondent with the Dallas Morning News, who served as panel moderator

October 4, 2017

The California Latino Economic Institute hosted its Board of Directors Meeting on October 5^th, 2017 at the SEMPRA International headquarters downtown. The Chamber worked closely with CLEI to create their agenda, which included a presentation by members Cross Border Xpress and CIR Law in representation of Latino entrepreneurs succeeding in cross border business. Kenia Zamarripa, Director of International Business Affairs, also addressed the board with a brief discussion on the Chamber’s work on cross-border issues.

Senator Ben Hueso provided remarks as Chairman of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and highlighted the importance of SB 357, sponsored by the Chamber, to open a trade office in Mexico City.

October 4, 2017

#OneBorder, a network of private sector stakeholders promoting binational relationships and collaboration held a meeting on September 19^th in Laredo, Texas. Attendees provided regional updates and followed up on items discussed at the prior meeting held in Washington D.C. in June. New participants provide an opportunity to expand our advocacy reach and impact. NAFTA, immigration and perception challenges were the main topics discussed. A draft event schedule for the remainder of the year and 2018 was proposed and includes joint advocacy trips to Washington D.C. and Mexico City.

The next meeting will take place in Brownsville, Texas. Please visit www.OneBorder.org for more information.

October 4, 2017

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) have partnered to conduct joint cargo inspections to reduce border wait times. The cross-border collaboration will be conducted at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility and it will be under the Unified Cargo Processing pilot program.

The pilot program kicked off last week and seeks to enhance national security for both countries while demonstrating a shared commitment to facilitating cross border commerce. The pilot will serve Free and Secure Trade (FAST) participants with the following operating hours: Monday-Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Chamber applauds CBP for the pilot program and will continue to advocate for its expansion and permanence in order to increase cross-border commerce in the in the Cali-Baja region and binational collaboration between Mexico and the United States.

October 4, 2017

The International Tribute Awards Dinner recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in the binational efforts bridging U.S. and Mexican economies. This year, the Chamber is proud to present the following awards:

• Binational Leader of the Year – Ambassador Marcela Celorio, who serves as Mexico’s Consul General in San Diego
• Binational Business of the Year Award – San Diego Padres, for their determination in empowering the Latino groups in San Diego
• Cross-Border Collaboration Award – University of California San Diego for their efforts and leadership incorporating the Latino community through programs that foster opportunity, open dialogue, and cross-cultural collaboration.

As the Chamber’s signature international event, the Tribute Dinner welcomes over 200 elected officials, business, and community leaders from the U.S. and Mexico. The event takes place on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Omni San Diego Hotel.

Please click here for more information and to reserve your ticket.

October 4, 2017

The third round of NAFTA negotiations were held in Ottawa, Canada, from September 23 – 27, 2017. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland; Mexican Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, concluded that agreed changes will increase the region’s competitiveness.

Highlights include:

• A new chapter focused on small and medium-size enterprises (SME) has been added to the agreement. This chapter will stimulate growth in startups and micro businesses and establishes a NAFTA Trilateral SME Dialogue.
• Significant progress was made in the areas of competitiveness, customs, telecommunications, digital trade, and sanitary measurements.

Challenges ahead:

• The U.S. aims to eliminate private arbitration panels which can overrule tariffs, whereas Canada seeks to keep this chapter which is considered one of the “great achievements of the initial deal” by Freeland.
• Mexico’s low wages became an increasing point of debate. Lighthizer expressed interest in having higher wages which will make it less attractive for manufacturers.

The fourth round of NAFTA Negotiations are scheduled for October 11-15 in Washington, D.C.