On February 24-25, 2016, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will travel to Mexico City, Mexico for the third U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) along with Vice President Joseph Biden. They will be joined by members of the Obama Administration and Mexican government officials. Announced by President Obama and President Peña Nieto in 2013, the HLED is a forum through which the U.S. and Mexican governments are collaborating to advance strategic economic and commercial priorities central to promoting economic growth and job creation in both countries.

The U.S.-Mexico economic relationship is one of our most important in the world. In 2014, our countries generated more than $580 billion in two-way trade, which supported millions of jobs in both Mexico and the United States. Mexico is the United States’ third largest trading partner and second largest export market, while the United States is Mexico’s largest trading partner. The HLED represents an important recognition by both countries of the need to continue elevating and strengthening our economic and commercial engagement.

The accomplishments achieved as a result of the HLED have addressed a wide range of issues including infrastructure, energy, regulatory cooperation, government transparency, innovation, and education. A few weeks ago, Secretary Pritzker participated in the inauguration of the Tornillo-Guadalupe Port of Entry, a key accomplishment of the HLED that demonstrates our commitment to developing modern border infrastructure to support growing trade and enhance regional economic competitiveness. 

This year’s HLED will focus on advancing a number of priorities, including modern borders, regulatory cooperation, energy, workforce development, partnership for regional and global leadership, and stakeholder engagement.