A binational delegation headed by San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastélum traveled to Mexico City earlier this week to initiate dialogue with Mexican officials about joint efforts that would bring about economic prosperity and improve infrastructure throughout the San Diego-Tijuana mega-region.
The delegation, which included San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts; San Diego Association of Governments executive director Gary Gallegos; and San Diego’s Mexican Consul General, Marcela Celorio, met with Mexico Secretary of Foreign Affairs Luis Videgaray to discuss re-establishment of a cross-border railroad, advancing the timelines for an additional border crossing at Otay Mesa, opposing anti-competitive tariffs and the modernization of trade agreements to reflect today’s economy.
“When federal officials look at trade agreements and international borders, it's often through the lens of national politics,” Faulconer said in a press release. “We appreciated our time with Secretary Videgaray because we were able to discuss not only how these big issues impact cities like ours, but also how San Diego and Tijuana are powerful examples of the benefits of trade, cooperation and open dialogue."
The meeting was part of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual advocacy mission to Mexico’s capital. The delegation includes more than 90 government, business and community leaders from both sides of the border who meet with top Mexican government officials and agencies to advocate for policies and initiatives important to regional growth and global competitiveness.
Policy priorities for this year’s delegation included promoting cross-border commerce and supporting trade agreements that foster a shared economy between the U.S. and Mexico, enhancing efficient border infrastructure and increasing tourism in the Cali-Baja region.
The mission to Mexico City comes two weeks after Faulconer and Gastélum signed a formal agreement to continue working together and one month after the two mayors pledged cooperation to benefit the economic interests of the region. Binational advocacy from San Diego and Tijuana leaders has led to infrastructure improvements that have created more efficient, safe and legal ways for goods and people to cross the border.
Recent examples include the PedWest cross-border pedestrian bridge at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and the Cross Border Xpress that leads to the Tijuana International Airport.
The State Route 11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry, a joint venture of the U.S. and Mexico governments, will create a new border crossing about two miles east of the existing Otay Mesa Point of Entry to relieve traffic at other border crossings. This project will provide fast, predictable and secure crossings via toll roads for both personal and commercial vehicles, cutting the border wait time to an average of 20 minutes.
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