Texas Border Business
LAREDO, TX (June 12, 2017) — International Bank of Commerce CEO Dennis Nixon was invited to join an elite group of CEOs from the United States and Mexico in Washington, D.C. last week for the biannual U.S.-Mexico CEO Dialogue. The D.C. event marks the 8th CEO Dialogue, which was established in 2013 to strengthen economic and commercial ties between the two countries.
Nixon, IBC Executive Vice President Gerald Schwebel and leaders from such prominent organizations as FedEx Freight, Union Pacific and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce came together to define strategies for ensuring that the United States and Mexico continue to enjoy the benefits forged nearly a quarter century ago by the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Before the CEO Dialogue had concluded, one resolution had already come out of the event: The official launch of a new organization – The U.S.-Mexico Economic Council – was designed to enhance the economic and commercial partnership between the two countries.
The Council will serve as a platform for the private sectors in both countries to work together and create innovative solutions for shared policy challenges. The end result of the U.S.-Mexico Economic Council will be continued economic growth and the creation of good jobs in both countries.
Apart from the establishment of the new council, business leaders engaged in discussion throughout the Dialogue about an array of issues critical to the bilateral economic relationship, including the effort to modernize NAFTA during the upcoming negotiations between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Dialogue participants were united in their recognition of the important opportunity ahead to update the agreement for the 21st century.
In a recent speech to business leaders in Mexico City, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas J. Donohue, outlined the key objectives to which efforts to modernize NAFTA should adhere — including to do no harm, to move quickly, to keep the agreement trilateral, and to follow the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).
“From a 40,000-foot perspective, I found it to be a very positive meeting,” said Nixon. “From the perspectives of U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Mexican Secretary of the Economy Ildefonso Guajardo, the first principle is to do no harm. Considering the political climate, all of the parties agreed we need to act swiftly, maintain the trilateral agreement and modernize the current treaty.
“Additionally, it’s vital that the governments consult with the private sector,” Nixon continued. “Consulting stakeholders will help build broader support across all of North America.”
Building broad support is a task that Nixon is familiar with given the instrumental role he played in the negotiation and passage of NAFTA. The Laredo-based businessman continues to be a champion for NAFTA and common sense solutions to border issues.
“The economic fates of the U.S. and Mexico are linked, and today, we are optimistic about the future of our relationship and the competitiveness of North America,” said Donohue, who was one of the chairs for the U.S. during the recent CEO Dialogue.
Also joining Donohue as a chair was Michael Ducker, president and CEO of FedEx Freight. In Mexico, the Dialogue is chaired by Guillermo F. Vogel, director and vice chairman of the board of Tenaris; and Juan Pablo Castañon. Castañon is president of the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial.
Continued Donohue, “We’re optimistic because in moments of challenge and uncertainty, the business communities of the U.S. and Mexico come together in partnership and friendship, and we emerge stronger. The fruits of today’s discussions, coupled with the important work this new council will undertake, will help to drive even more growth and fortify our economic relationship for the long term.”
