The North American Foreign Relations and Economy Committees, the U.S. Mexico Foundation and representatives of the business sector called for the strengthening of supply chains in order to consolidate Mexico as a strategic partner in the region.
Senate Committees, the U.S. Mexico Foundation and businessmen call to strengthening supply chains and consolidate Mexico as a strategic partner in North America.
In a remote working meeting, Senator Gina Andrea Cruz, Chair of the Senate's North American Foreign Relations Committee, said that a dialogue will be promoted to encourage the creation of a supply chain office in Mexico.
Enrique Perret, director of the U.S. Mexico Foundation, said that due to the technological race with China, the region needs strong supply chains that are logistically and legally integrated. For this reason, he added, Mexico is a strategic partner.
He pointed out that the challenges for this sector of the economy have increased due to COVID-19, in addition to exposing the vulnerability of the U.S. to Asian countries, as costs have increased and jobs have been lost.
However, he said that there is an opportunity to articulate priority supply chains and obtain essential materials, goods and services from reliable allies. He also stressed the importance of investing in advanced manufacturing and new technologies to help generate new industries in Mexico.
"It is time to promote a bilateral program, integrate a binational task force on supply chains as soon as possible and hold an inter-parliamentary session where this issue is one of the priorities," said Perret.
He also recalled that trade facilitation will be key to making the most of supply chains and recommended strengthening the support of institutions working on this issue.
Ernesto Acevedo Fernández, Undersecretary of Economy, recalled that the federal government is already working on a strategy for the relocation of supply chains in Mexico in order to strengthen regional competitiveness.
"We are at a crucial moment for the Mexican economy and for the integration of North America, where there are great opportunities for the people of Canada, the United States and Mexico," said Acevedo.
The official indicated that there is a growing trend worldwide to strengthen regional supply chains. Mexico can play a fundamental role in this area, he said. He agreed on the need to create an agenda to strengthen supply chains, especially in three areas: human capital, infrastructure and export of services.
