Contributions from Carin Zissis
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner suggested February 16 that free trade deals with Colombia and Panama should gain approval this year along with the South Korea trade pact. His comments coincide with an uptick in pressure to set timelines on the trade deals.
Mexico's finance secretary traveled to New York amid positive news about his country's economic outlook. Meanwhile, some U.S. officials have raised concerns about security along the Mexican border even as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security touts low crime rates in border cities.
The U.S. Secretary of State reiterated Washington’s support for Mexico’s fight against organized crime after leaked cables indicated doubts. Meanwhile, Mexico’s troubled border region shows positive economic signs as manufacturing jobs sprout.