U.S. - Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue

Mexico hosted the first meeting of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue September 20 in Mexico City. Formally announced in May 2013 by President Barack Obama and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, the Dialogue was formed to promote mutual economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness for the two countries, whose commercial relationship generates $500 million in trade in goods and services annually and supports millions of jobs in both countries.

U.S. - Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue

Vice President Joe Biden led the U.S. delegation comprised of high level officials from the Commerce Department, the Department of State, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and other agencies, who met with their Mexican counterparts.

At a press conference, Vice President Biden noted the United States and Mexico already have a unique relationship founded on “a common culture, common values, and common dreams, in addition to a long common border.

Increasingly,” he said, “those relationships will also be built on a common pursuit of economic opportunity. The dreams of an average Mexican are no different [from] the dreams of an average American…both [the U.S. and Mexico] are committed to seeing them be able to realize those dreams.”

Vice President Biden noted the middle class in Mexico now comprises more than 40 million people. He praised President Pena Nieto’s agenda of reform and modernization that is helping to create new economic opportunities.

Mr. Biden pointed out the drive in the United States toward comprehensive immigration reform will bring 11 million undocumented men, women, and children living in the United States “out of the shadows…[with] a clear path to citizenship and participation.” Not only is such immigration reform a matter of justice and dignity,” said Mr. Biden, “[i]t’s also in the overwhelming economic interest of both…countries.”

Vice President Biden said the standards required by the 21st century to determine economic growth include open markets, competition, transparency, a commitment to workforce development, and the protection of the environment, labor rights, and intellectual property.

The enforcement and expansion of these standards within the hemisphere will help the United States and Mexico compete on a level playing field and help make our common economic platform more competitive in the global market.

With strong economic cooperation, Vice President Biden said, Mexico and the United States can work together to make North America “the most prosperous and the most economically viable place in the world.”