Members Seek to Strengthen Economic Ties Between California and Mexico
SACRAMENTO – Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) announced today that he will lead a bipartisan delegation of Assemblymembers to Mexico City following the adjournment of the 2011 Legislative Session. The trip, which is sponsored and funded by the Council of State Governments, will focus on strengthening the economic ties between California and Mexico. The bipartisan delegation will consist of Speaker Pérez, as well as Assemblymembers Nathan Fletcher, Nancy Skinner, Ben Hueso and Ricardo Lara.
“Mexico is our largest trading partner, and given our ties of history, geography and commerce, it’s clear that those ties are only going to be strengthened in the coming years,” said Speaker Pérez. “I am looking forward to productive meetings between myself and my colleagues, and key government and business officials in Mexico.”
Added Assemblymember Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley): “I’m pleased to be part of this mission to explore ways I can help Northern California businesses benefit and create jobs from an increased trade relationship with Mexico. Mexico continues to be California’s #1 export market, totaling $21 billion in 2010. I am also excited about the opportunity to share best practices on environmental issues and other challenges we both face.”
The Assemblymembers are expected to meet with numerous key officials in both the government of Mexico, as well as the Federal District of Mexico City, including meetings with officials from the Foreign Commercial Service, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mexico City Health Minister. The delegation will also be received by President Felipe Calderon, and members of the Mexican Cabinet, Senate and Chamber of Deputies.
“Mexico is California’s largest trading partner, and because our shared border is the fastest growing component of San Diego’s regional economy, we must do everything we can to strengthen our binational relationships,” said Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher (R-San Diego). “By fostering our ties commercially, economically and culturally, we can expand the flow of commerce to and from the border and create jobs for San Diegans,” said Fletcher. “Our relationship with Mexico is critically important to our region’s future economic health, and I’m pleased to join my colleagues on this important trip.”
Assemblymember Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) said “I am honored to join Speaker Perez and my colleagues on this important trip to Mexico. San Diego and Mexico share many important links, and one of the best ways we can improve the economy in San Diego is by working collaboratively to address challenges and achieve common objectives.”
Discussion topics will include strengthening the commercial and trade ties between Mexico and California, as well as issues such as Mexico City and California’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gasses, improving public health and strengthening education partnerships between California and Mexico.
“The 50th Assembly District, which I represent, has strong ethnic, cultural and business ties with Mexico. As a region and a state, we must work together to find common ground and ensure both economies don’t just survive, but find ways to thrive in this time of global economic uncertainty,” said Assemblymember Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens). “I am honored to participate in this international visit and these important conversations.”
The trip, which is funded by the Council of State Governments, will culminate with the delegation attending Mexico’s celebration of Independence Day on September 16.
CONTACT: John Vigna (916) 319-2408
Website of Speaker John A. Pérez: www.asmdc.org/speaker
