Homeland Security Show | Episode 24

Can We Have Security and Good Trade Relations with Mexico?

Tonight’s show featured the president of the Border Trade Alliance, Nelson Balido, who is working first hand with Mexican and American authorities to assure stronger trade with Canada and secure and stronger trade with Mexico. The Border Trade Alliance represents state municipalities alongside transportation providers and manufacturers to better facilitate trade between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico while assuring security is at its best. Mr. Balido joined us from Mexico City, where he is working with the Mexican Senate and U.S. embassy to increase the already $1.4 billion in annual trade along the southern border. 22 U.S. states call Mexico their largest trading partner today, so getting the relationship right is essential for our own economy, and encouraging Mexicans to find jobs in Mexico and stay in Mexico. Our trade with Canada is $1.6 billion annually, the largest trading partnership in the world. Key issues we discussed included, with a new Mexican administration and continued drug cartel violence and insecurity, what can we really hope for in regard to economic relations with Mexico? and, How is the renewed effort on Comprehensive Immigration Reform affecting potential investment opportunities with Mexico?

Mr. Balido has a diverse background, having worked in the record industry he is a member of both the Latin Grammy’s and U.S. Grammy’s alongside key appointments at the Department of Homeland Security where he won two awards for his excellent service. He is also a U.S. Navy Reservist.

Homeland Security Show