Conference Goal is to Raise Profile of Border Issues
Conference Goal is to Raise Profile of Border Issues
COA’s Eric Farnsworth spoke to El Paso Times about the Council’s August 7 border conference, which will examine ways to improve U.S.-Mexico trade.
"If you want a clear view of the border, just go to Washington or Mexico City!"
I heard that cynical remark Week Two of my initial corporate communication and government relations assignment in Ciudad Juárez in 1993 at the height of the NAFTA debate.
Next week, representatives from Washington and D.F. come to El Paso for a first-hand look at where things are going between the two countries. This public-private dialogue on improving management of the U.S.-Mexico border and deepening economic integration takes place Wednesday at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Council of the Americas, UTEP and U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke have partnered to gather key players for this one. Eric Farnsworth, vice president, Americas Society/Council of the Americas sees the event's focus as additional proof that the two nations' economies continue to be very much integrated -- with more to come.
Q: The Border Conference on the U.S.-Mexico Competitiveness Agenda; why at El Paso, why at this time in 2013?
A: Both the U.S. and Mexican governments have determined that in order to really get the real benefit of bilateral trade and economic growth we have to do a better job on the border -- in terms of infrastructure, in terms of making sure security is important but doesn't overwhelm economic considerations and making sure that the flow of people is done in a humane way. Both governments have committed to that.
In terms of the Council of the Americas, this is actually our fourth effort. The first was in Laredo last year at about the same time. We were also in San Diego in February and then we did a Mexico conference in Washington in June. It's our belief as well that in order to get the full benefit from the U.S.-Mexico relationship on economics side, we have to do a better job on the border. That really explains why we are coming to El Paso and why we're seeking to highlight both the very positive things that have been going on and also things that need to be improved....
Q: From your position with Americas Society/Council of the Americas, how challenging do you find it for politicians and other stakeholders -- especially those far, far from the border -- to understand the degree of economic integration that exists between the U.S. and Mexico?
A: It is very difficult for people who aren't part of the border community to truly understand and appreciate the level of integration at the border. It's an easy talking point for people in Washington or Mexico City to talk about without necessarily personal knowledge. That's one of the reasons why we think doing these types of activities on the border is so important....
