When things seemed uncertain at work, my ex-boss used to tell me: “walking the cart settles the pumpkins.” Her message was always accompanied by a: “let your work speak for you.” That has been the consistent message in conversations I have had with colleagues and friends in Washington for months now. It seems that, at the moment, pumpkins are settling in for North America. Especially in the Mexico-United States relationship.
The North American wagon has not had such clear institutional avenues to follow for many years. I mention four.
First, the High-Level Economic Dialogue (DEAN) between Mexico and the United States held a few days ago in Mexico City. In previous months, the United States passed two initiatives – the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act – that increase tax incentives for the production and consumption of semiconductors and electric vehicles produced in North America (among other things). The formal invitation to Mexico made by Secretary Antony Blinken to join the production chains of the goods of the future is a unique opportunity.
Although the technology and human capital necessary to set up a semiconductor factory are not built overnight, the magic of production chains is that each link does not need to be in a single country. For example, the semiconductor packaging, testing, and assembly industry in China and Taiwan is worth $60 billion. In North America, that fraction of the industry is only $3 billion. Mexico is ready to absorb part of that huge market. Not only that, Mexico is preparing for the future. The Ministry of Economy together with CONALEP are designing an educational curriculum, specifically to graduate expert technicians in the production of semiconductors.
President Biden noted that by 2030 – yes, in less than eight years – half of all car sales in the United States will be electric vehicles. The Inflation Reduction Act gives tax incentives of up to $7,500 to those who use vehicles produced in North America. Imagine the advantage against the sale of any other car produced in the world! The Mexican automotive industry continues and will continue to be one of the main engines of our economy.
The DEAN in the words of an extraordinary Mexican public official in Washington: “was a resounding success.” To this avenue we must add the recently announced DEAN Mexico-Canada.
The second avenue is the North Capital Forum. At the end of the month, Mexico City will receive nearly 150 experts from the region, more than 700 international guests, opinion leaders, businessmen and academics, to advance the idea of North America. This is, without a doubt, the most important civil society effort in years.
The US-Mexico Foundation team – a bilateral organization – orchestrated dozens of organizations and hundreds of people to sit down for three days to discuss the different aspects that make up North America: trade, migration, innovation, culture, technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture , democracy, and economic development, among many others. International personalities such as Børge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum; Anne McLellan, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada; the three UNHCR representatives in Mexico, the United States and Canada; Mónica Lozano, advisor to Apple; among many other CEOs, secretaries, ambassadors, and directors of think tanks, will be present at the forum.
Third, in October, Washington DC will once again receive Mexican authorities for the High-Level Security Dialogue. The Mexican delegation, led by Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, travels to Washington to work on three objectives: i) the protection of our communities (public health and homicides); ii) prevent transnational crime (reduce arms trafficking and dismantle smuggling, supply and people networks); and iii) act against criminal networks (increase cooperation on extraditions, strengthen the capacities of security actors, and stop the flow of illicit funds).
Fourth, and to close the year with a flourish, in December Mexico will host President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the North American Leaders Summit.
Although the avenues are clearly defined, I am not saying that they are perfectly paved. The energy consultations under the TMEC, the Mexican lawsuit against US arms suppliers, the migration crisis, and the internal politics of each country, increase the complexity of the relationship. But until there.
For now, today there is a bit of optimism. Institutional avenues and multi-stakeholder relationships are the shield against politicking and public discourse. Today I congratulate and thank those who have continued to push the cart and trust that their work speaks for them. Today, the pumpkins were accommodated.
Pedro Casas Alatriste, Director of Research and Public Policy at the US-Mexico Foundation.
Twitter: @PedroCasas
[ad_2]
hartford car insurance shop car insurance best car insurance quotes best online car insurance get auto insurance quotes auto insurance quotes most affordable car insurance car insurance providers car insurance best deals best insurance quotes get car insurance online best comprehensive car insurance best cheap auto insurance auto policy switching car insurance car insurance quotes auto insurance best affordable car insurance online auto insurance quotes az auto insurance commercial auto insurance instant car insurance buy car insurance online best auto insurance companies best car insurance policy best auto insurance vehicle insurance quotes aaa insurance quote auto and home insurance quotes car insurance search best and cheapest car insurance best price car insurance best vehicle insurance aaa car insurance quote find cheap car insurance new car insurance quote auto insurance companies get car insurance quotes best cheap car insurance car insurance policy online new car insurance policy get car insurance car insurance company best cheap insurance car insurance online quote car insurance finder comprehensive insurance quote car insurance quotes near me get insurance