September 14, 2018

The Embassy of the Netherlands extends invites you to attend their innovation summit on Thin Film Solar Technology. The event will take place October 5^th in Boston and October 8^th in San Francisco, and will discuss how increased solar efficiencies and new technologies are driving innovation in solar energy production, and learn about how business organizations can benefit from research and development programs through the Dutch government and other European binational grants. These grants may save companies 50 percent or more on the cost of thin film solar projects, enabling business organizations to free up capital and accelerate innovation projects.

For event details, agenda, and to RSVP, please visit the Thin Film Solar Technology Summit’s website.

September 14, 2018

The Chamber has partnered with the European Union and the San Diego World Trade Center to host a special luncheon conversation featuring the European Union’s Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs, Moreno Bertoldi, and Financial Counselor Antoine Begasse.

Coming off European growth rates that hit a 10-year high, what is next for the European economy? Despite the Brexit vote and trade tensions, the EU recovery continues. As this autumn’s EU-U.S. trade talks may further affect European economic expansion, join us to hear about the outlook for the European market, see the progress being made to establish an effective capital market and banking union, and discuss the future of the Transatlantic economy.

The luncheon will take place Friday, October 19^th at the Chamber boardroom. For event details and to RSVP, please contact Chamber Director of International Business Affairs, Kenia Zamarripa, at kzamarripa@sdchamber.org.

September 14, 2018

Please save the date for the Chamber’s upcoming Cross-Border Business Forum taking place Thursday, October 17^th, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Club de Empresarios in Tijuana.

Ranked 4th in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Innovation That Matters Report for best startup cities, San Diego could become the “Silicon Valley” of Southern California thanks to the region’s economic and support networks that have been integrated into the entrepreneur community. A growing number of companies and startups are making their way to San Diego honing in on its intellectual capital, supportive startup ecosystem, low turnover rates, and well-rounded workforce.

Featured speakers will share their insights on what it takes to cultivate a healthy startup environment, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and discuss the current challenges and opportunities for startups, incubators, and investors on both sides of the border and as a binational region.

For event details and to register, please visit our website.

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.

September 13, 2018

On August 27, 2018, the U.S. and Mexico reached a tentative trade agreement which updates several chapters from the original NAFTA as well as new chapters addressing various industry sectors and small businesses. Meanwhile, negotiations with Canada continue.

The Chamber, along with business organizations across the country, continue to urge all parties to work towards a trilateral agreement. Anything other than a trilateral agreement would be a detriment to the local and national economy as supply chains would be disrupted and Congressional approval unlikely. Click here to read a new op-ed written by Chamber VP Paola Avila which ran in the Daily Transcript.

September 13, 2018

Partnering with entities in Mexico, Canada, and within the United States, the Border Trade Alliance is a nonprofit organization that promotes public policy and private sector initiatives that facilitate cross-border trade and commerce through advocacy efforts, education, research and analysis, and strategic planning. Chamber VP of International Business Affairs, Paola Avila, currently serves as Chair of the BTA.

Last month, the BTA honored Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar with the “Friend of the Americas” Award during their annual “Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border” conference in Mexico City. This award is presented to individuals who demonstrate leadership and commitment to increasing the economic and cultural relationship between both countries.

During his service in the Texas Legislature and in Congress, Rep. Cuellar has championed efforts to promote free trade policies and agreements and improve efficiency and security at ports of entry have made a positive impact in border communities. Texas is the first place where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexican Customs have joint inspection operations for all modes of transportation (land, air and rail). Together with Senator Cornyn, Rep. Cuellar enabled the ability to find innovative solutions for capital improvement requirements at ports of entry for CBP, the private sector, and state and local governments through the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2016. He also advocated to include $223 million in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill for fiscal year 2019 to accelerate CBP’s work to deploy inspection platforms that can safely automate the inspection process increasing efficiency when processing cargo.

Congressman Cuellar stated that “The relationship between the United States and Mexico runs deep and bridges commercial, cultural, and educational divides. As a lifelong member of the border community, it is an honor to receive this award. I am committed to elevate our cross-border relationships and strengthen business and cultural ties. Cross-border cooperation and collaboration has proved to be an ingredient for success, and it is all the more important that we continue to engage and partner with our neighbors to the south”. He further thanked Paola Avila, BTA Chair and Chamber VP, and the BTA for their hard work and commitment to foster bilateral relations and promoting trade between the United States and Mexico. In her remarks, Avila stated “Congressman Cuellar is incredibly deserving of this award. On complicated and sometimes contentious issues facing stakeholders who live and work along the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders, Rep. Cuellar offers a continuous desire to make our border regions better and enhance the quality of life around them.”

Previous recipients of the “Friend of the Americas” award include former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and Dr. Herminio Blanco, Mexico’s chief negotiator of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

September 13, 2018

Earlier this month, the Tijuana International Air Cargo and Logistics Park (Matrix) was inaugurated. Adjacent to the Tijuana Airport, the park will facilitate the development of cross-border commerce between Mexico, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America while further elevating our region’s global competitiveness.

Cali-Baja’s reliance on trucks for the transportation of goods causes heavy congestion at our Ports of Entry and San Diego highways, shifting economic opportunities to the Los Angeles area. In addition, trucking becomes inefficient for our binational supply chain due to border delays slowing down just-in-time manufacturing which is particularly challenging for perishable goods.

Matrix facilities will be serving companies such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, Aeromexico and Volaris Cargo, and includes on-site Mexican customs authorities, a bonded warehouse, office space for freight forwarders, customs agents, banking services, food concessions, and the Mexican Postal Service. The air cargo park was built by a subsidiary of Grupo Bustamante, a real estate development business organization owned by Carlos Bustamante, former Mayor of Tijuana. At the inauguration ceremony, Bustamante shared his vision for U.S. Customs pre-inspection operations at Matrix which would allow cargo carriers to expedite shipments between the U.S. and Mexico.

September 13, 2018

On September 5^th, the Chamber hosted a Good Government Speaker Series featuring the Director of Baja California’s State Commission of Public Services in Tijuana, German Lizola. The event provided an opportunity to learn about the Commission’s efforts to prevent sewage spills into the Tijuana River Watershed and improve Tijuana and Rosarito’s sewage and sanitation systems.

Following the rupture of a wastewater collector in Tijuana due to unusual rain and saturation of the pipeline, CESPT has identified other damaged wastewater collectors and repaired 4 kilometers of pipelines in Tijuana. In addition, communication protocols with the U.S. and Mexican sections of the International Boundaries and Water Commission (IBWC) were strengthened and emergency protocols were created to report any future transboundary wastewater spills.

Baja California Governor, Francisco Vega, issued a state of emergency to designate additional $7.8 M in funds to repair five wastewater collectors. The work started after the spill and have continued in 2018. This year’s work plan contemplates an investment of $12.8 M of which $3M are Mexican Federal Funds, $784,210 were funds provided by the North American Development Bank (NADBank), and the rest were provided by Baja California’s State Government. Together, the Mexican National Commission of Water (CONAGUA) and CESPT work on repairs, maintenance and improvements to wastewater pumping plants PB-CILA, PB1, PB Matadero, PB Laureles, PB-SAB, replacement and extension of the Poniente Wastewater Collector, and equipment to clear the wastewater removal system. A total of $14.5 M have been invested in collector restoration and water treatment projects under CESPT’s purview. Director Lizola highlighted that the wastewater collectors operate under capacity with no risk of overflowing, and last year’s major spills were caused after unusual heavy rain. He further explained that there is still much to be done, including the repair or replacement of the largest sewage treatment plant. The San Antonio de los Buenos plant upgrade is estimated at $247M and contemplates a new activated sludge facility. Other issues originate from an aging and deteriorating sewage infrastructure that has failed to keep up with the increase of population and caused cross border spills. When asked about major challenges, Lizola mentioned that many of the projects remain unfunded.

Looking ahead, one of the projects that has gained much attention is the collection and treatment of wastewater from La Morita and Arturo Herrera water treatment plants in Tijuana for agricultural irrigation in Valle de las Palmas and Valle de Guadalupe. The project has been awarded to an Israeli company which will take care of water collection, treatment and redirection. This project is estimated to take two years to be completed. In addition, CESPT is exploring the possibility of selling treated water to U.S. companies to satisfy the demand of water on the U.S. side of the border.

When questioned about what is needed for the Commission to continue working toward the prevention of spills and improvement of the sanitation system, Lizola highlighted the need for funds to continue maintenance and improvements, as well as projects and incentives to increase the use of recycled water by local businesses and government agencies (only 6 percent of treated water is used in Tijuana).  Furthermore, Lizola shared plans to brief the incoming Mexican administration on the situation and the region’s needs to continue to prioritize related projects. He closed the meeting by stating the Commission’s commitment in procuring funds to continue working to minimize transboundary pollution and water deficit in the region.

To download CESPT’s full presentation (available only in Spanish), please click here.