Commerce Official Gives Update on U.S.-Mexico 21st Century Action Plan
On January 26, 2012, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance Michael Camuñez discussed efforts to increase trade between the U.S. and Mexico, including some of the progress made to date on implementing the two country's May 2010 Joint Declaration on 21st Century Border Management.
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Binational Committee Focusing on Three Areas
Camuñez stated that this declaration has three areas of focus that are overseen by a binational Executive Steering Committee (ESC) and three working groups:
- Border Infrastructure
- Secure Flows of Goods and People
- Corridor Security
Its Work on a Border Region Action Plan Is Underway
In December 2010, the ESC developed an action plan for the border region, which seeks to enhance economic competitiveness by supporting infrastructure projects that increase capacity; expand trusted traveler and shipper programs; and explore opportunities for pre-clearance, pre-inspection, and pre-screening processes for commercial goods and travelers.
(The action plan includes (1) the establishment of pilot projects in locations such as Laredo and Nogales for cargo pre-inspection and pre-clearance in both countries; (2) expanding trusted traveler and shipper programs, including Mexico’s establishment of a trusted shipper program that aligns with C-TPAT; (3) establishing specific milestones to be reached over the next twelve months on various border crossing projects; and (4) improving cooperation between Mexican and U.S. law enforcement agencies. See ITT's Online Archives 10122030 for summary.)
Camuñez stated that positive results to date include:
- Completion of the San Luis II commercial crossing in San Luis, AZ and the Donna-Rio Bravo Bridge in Donna, TX in late 2010;
- Completion of the construction for seven new northbound commercial lanes at the Laredo World Trade Bridge and the groundbreaking for the new West Rails Bypass project in Brownsville, Texas in 2011;
- The beginning of construction in July 2011 on the new Tornillo-Guadalupe international port of entry in El Paso County (which is slated for completion by summer of 2013). This new six lane border crossing facility will be one of the largest in the nation and capable of serving vehicular, pedestrian and commercial traffic.
The ESC is also currently conducting wait time pilots at seven ports of entry. According to Camuñez, the end goal is to install the appropriate technology to measure wait times and provide real time information for customs officials, shippers, and travelers in order to inform operations and staffing decisions, as well as the redirection of traffic to other neighboring POEs that are less congested.
(See Camuñez's speech, "Realizing the Value of Our Cross Border Trade with Mexico," for his other comments on U.S.-Mexico trade, including importance of trade between both countries as evidenced by trade statistics, current work in regulatory cooperation, the U.S. export strategy for the border, and other issues.
See ITT's Online Archives 10052166 for summary of Declaration's tenants, including achieving a (1) standardized, single entry of trade data, (2), mutual recognition of trusted shipper programs, (3) closer supply chain partnerships, (4) reduction of border delays, etc.
See ITT's Online Archives 11120507 for summary of Mexico rolling out NEEC trusted shipper program for importers and exporters.)