During a recent visit to Mexico City, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker emphasized the importance of continuing the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) -- a critical structure for facilitating cooperation on economic issues between the two countries -- after the Obama Administration comes to an end. The dialogue was established in 2013 by Presidents Barack Obama and Peña Nieto and focuses on strategic economic and commercial priorities central to promoting growth, job creation, and competitiveness. 

During the HLED Digital Video Conference with U.S.-Mexican business leaders, Secretary Pritzker highlighted the progress made by the HLED and the collective accomplishments of the U.S. and Mexico partnership over the past few years, which include:

• Modern Border Infrastructure: Through the completion of three new border projects, the U.S. and Mexico have reinforced their border infrastructure to better facilitate trade and travel. Furthermore, the HLED has expanded supply chain security and traveler programs to increase tourism and trade between both countries.
• Enhanced Energy Cooperation and Coordination: The HLED has increased collaboration on the improvement of infrastructure in electricity, oil, and natural gas sectors in order to enhance sustainability and efficiency.  Also, the two countries have worked together to expand offshore safety regulation, environmental protection, and regulatory oversight and enforcement of hydrocarbon activities.
• Workforce Development: The HLED has also worked to ensure citizens of both countries have a workforce with the skills needed to succeed in the global economy by developing international education exchanges. This program enables engagement with the private sector and promotes the development of the knowledge economy in North America.

Trade  between the U.S. and Mexico reaches $580 billion annually, supporting millions of jobs in both countries. Secretary Pritzker emphasized that continued engagement with respect to the U.S-Mexico commercial relationship is critical to prosperity in both countries.