Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Ciudad Juarez Mayor Talk International Trade to Boost Economies of Border Communities
Vasquez joined Ciudad Juarez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar and other government and business leaders to highlight the importance of U.S-Mexico trade to border communities and the nation
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. — On Wednesday, August 21, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) discussed trade and economic development opportunities for New Mexico’s second district in a meeting with Ciudad Juarez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar and as well as various federal, state, local and business leaders.
“Having grown up on both sides of the border, I understand how critical cross-border trade is not just for the border, but across our country. I’m grateful to Mayor Pérez Cuéllar for joining me in this productive conversation about how my work in Congress can support trade and economic development for our economies,” said Vasquez. “I’ve introduced legislation to invest in smarter inspection technology at ports of entry, which will decrease wait times for commercial and non-commercial vehicles and increase trade opportunities between the U.S. and Mexico, boosting our economy.”
The group discussed trade, the U.S.-Mexico relationship and economic development opportunities. Vasquez highlighted the need for cross-border collaboration on trade and security issues, placing particular emphasis on topics such as the Sunland Park Passenger Vehicle Lane and growing Santa Teresa’s port of entry. Vasquez was also joined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, Santa Teresa Port Director Tony Hall and President of the Border Industrial Association Jerry Pacheco.
Mexico is the United States’ largest trading partner, with nearly $800 billion in trade taking place between the two countries last year alone. New Mexico depends on trade with Mexico as a critical source of manufactured goods and raw materials, as well as a market for New Mexican products.
Last year, Vasquez introduced the Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Act, which would require the Department of Commerce to develop a national strategy to increase the number of jobs in key industries such as trade, manufacturing, transportation and agriculture in border communities.
Vasquez also introduced the Smart Border Protection Act, which would invest in smart, non-intrusive inspection technology to detect drugs and speed up wait times for commercial traffic and non-commercial vehicular traffic.
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