**Investment and Border Infrastructure Chapter Essential in US-Mexico-Canada Agreement: CCE Tijuana**
In a recent statement, Carlos Jaramillo Silva, the President of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) in Tijuana, highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated chapter on investment and border infrastructure in the upcoming revision of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This effort is crucial to enhance mobility between Mexico and the United States and is aimed at reducing the daily challenges faced in the region due to inadequate infrastructure.
Jaramillo emphasized the importance of recognizing the border area as a special economic zone within the USMCA framework. He pointed out the “calvary” experienced daily in commercial and visitor crossings, attributing it to the “short-sightedness” of federal governments in providing necessary infrastructure to boost commerce and tourism.
Furthermore, he stressed the need for the United States to prioritize financial and human resources for border crossings. Using the Otay 2 project as an example, Jaramillo noted that while Mexico has almost completed its infrastructure commitments, the U.S. side is several years from meeting its obligations.
Beyond infrastructure, Jaramillo also called for clearer guidelines within the labor chapter of the treaty to prevent misuse of labor review mechanisms. Additionally, he advocated for greater transparency in non-tariff barriers, such as sanitary regulations imposed by the U.S. and Canada. Protecting key Mexican exports like tomatoes, avocados, sugar, and blueberries is vital, he said, as they are crucial to Mexico’s economy. Addressing subsidies provided by the U.S. and Canada that harm the competitiveness of Mexican products, as well as allocating more resources for environmental issues and energy transition at the border, is pivotal.
Jaramillo criticized current U.S. policies that demand Mexican transporters to overhaul their fleets without incentives or financing, which complicates shifts towards green energy. The cross-border community’s concerns were echoed by Alejandra Mier y Terán, President of the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce in the United States, who commended the proposals aiming to reduce border crossing wait times.
In preparation for potential changes in tariffs with the arrival of Donald Trump as President, business leaders stress the catastrophic effects increased tariffs could have on competitiveness and quality of life on both sides of the border. The concern extends to environmental issues, with Carmelo Álvarez Zavala, Director of the Center for Innovation and Environmental Management, highlighting cross-border discrepancies in water treatment and environmental compliance.
Kurt Honold Morales, Secretary of Economy and Innovation, signed an agreement with Concanaco-Servytur to promote investment opportunities in Baja California. The initiatives include events, discussions on public policies, information exchange, and digitalization of commerce and tourism services.
This topic remains at the forefront of various bi-national forums organized by Concanaco in several Mexican border cities, which aim to identify improvements in the USMCA and facilitate business opportunities in trade, services, and tourism.
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**Secondary Article: Cross-Border Investment Opportunities and Challenges Emerge in USMCA Discussions**
As discussions about the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement continue, stakeholders from different sectors are voicing their views on investment and infrastructure needs. The Mexico-U.S. border, a crucial trade zone, continues to face logistical challenges affecting commerce and daily commutes.
Leaders from both public and private sectors have emphasized the strategic importance of including a well-defined chapter on cross-border investment and infrastructure in the USMCA. They argue that streamlined procedures, better infrastructure, and transparent regulatory measures can significantly enhance the competitiveness of the region.
Furthermore, experts are highlighting the need to address the environmental impact of existing practices and to align efforts in transitioning to renewable energy. These efforts include potential collaborative projects across the border that can foster sustainable growth and mutual economic benefits.
While Mexico has met many of its commitments, stakeholders stress urgency in the U.S. fulfilling its share to avoid delays that could impede economic progress on both sides.
In addition to trade and economic opportunities, discussions are also focusing on labor practices, transportation, and environmental standards, aiming to create a balanced, fair, and innovative platform for growth under the USMCA framework. Such developments will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cross-border commerce and connectivity.