Realizing the Economic Strength of our 21st Century Border

Trade, Education and Jobs

The U.S.-Mexico border region is one of the most important trade corridors for North American businesses, representing a $461 billion economic relationship between the two countries.  The border region, defined as the 10 U.S. and Mexican border states, represents a combined population of nearly 100 million people and as the world’s fourth largest economy.

The U.S. Department of Commerce and the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University will host a high-level U.S.-Mexico conference that will gather thought leaders and innovators from throughout the border region to define strategies and execute regional initiatives to create jobs and enhance economic growth.  The binational conference is set to take place September 23-25, 2012, at the Fiesta Resort Conference Center in Tempe, Arizona.  The conference will focus on identifying regional solutions to border related challenges and priorities such as:  workforce needs and educational development; trade facilitation and supply chain solutions for cross-border trade; border infrastructure needs and regional border planning; public/private partnership opportunities and new innovative technologies; industry opportunities in renewable energy, aerospace, tourism, and logistics; and identifying cross-border economic development and job creation strategies.

The event will feature an audience of 300-400 individuals from both sides of the border including officials from government and academia, pioneers in the business community, and representatives from civil society and international organizations.

As Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance Michael Camuñez noted, “strengthening our ties between U.S. and Mexican companies and encouraging cross-border trade will bolster our global efforts to increase U.S. exports and create good jobs here at home.”

Conference Agenda
Registration