The Maquiladora and Export Industry Association (INDEX) in Tijuana as well as dependencies and organisms from both sides of the border participated in a panel called “U.S.-Mexico Trade Policies: Opportunities and Challenges in Times of Change.” Its main goal was to analyze Mexico and the United States’ economic and commercial situation, especially at the border, in order to strengthen local industry’s competitiveness.

The panel was organized by the JD Group and General Director, Jorge Diaz Nieto, acted as its moderator. The topics touched upon by the event are important for the border community, the business sector and those responsible for promoting commerce.

INDEX Tijuana’s president, Luis Manuel Hernandez Gonzalez, stated that whoever triumphs in the Mexican presidential race must understand the industry’s dynamics as companies participating in the IMMEX Program make up 60 percent of Mexico’s foreign trade, and sensible leadership is needed to continue bringing the country forward.

In other words, INDEX is hoping that instead of implementing foreign trade decrees, the government chooses to establish mechanisms to convert these provisions into laws. This would make the industry more competitive internationally as other countries already have up-to-date legislation that strengthens trade.

When asked about the continuity of foreign direct investment (FDI) flow from the U.S to Mexico following Donald’s Trump arrival to the White House, Luis Manuel Hernandez, INDEX Tijuana’s President, stated that Mexico remains an attractive country for new investments as well as reinvestments. 26 billion USD in FDI were registered in Mexico in 2016, while 29 billion USD were registered in 2017; 48% of this investment comes from the U.S.

On the other hand, the Vice-President of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, Paola Avila, said that the protectionist trade policies proposed by the U.S. President, Donald Trump, will cause more harm than good. In addition, they will create high costs for the consumer, as they “help the minority and hit the majority; it’s as if someone kneels to pick up 1 MXN and 100 MXN fall out of their pocket,” she explained...... Continue reading article here

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