Today, in Mexico City, Secretary Penny Pritzker co-chaired the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) along with her colleagues from the U.S. Department of State, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and their Mexican counterparts. The goal of the HLED is to advance strategic economic and commercial priorities central to promoting mutual economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.

Specifically, the two countries discussed how to attract foreign direct investment, jointly promote travel and tourism, improve manufacturing within integrated supply chains, promote entrepreneurship, and provide 21^st century workforce development. They will also work on improving transportation and telecommunications links and networks. The two countries will work collaboratively in regard to international institutions and negotiations, as well. During the proceedings, participants agreed on the HLED work plan, which are broadly defined under three pillars: Promoting Competitiveness and Connectivity; Fostering Economic Growth, Productivity, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation; and Partnering for Regional and Global Leadership.

After concluding the HLED, Secretary Pritzker spoke with the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico and highlighted the results of the Dialogue. She recognized that the private sector, including small business, civil society, and labor organizations, is vital to building the U.S.-Mexico relationship and to drive mutual prosperity.

She also noted that in late October, she will co-host the North American Competitiveness and Innovation Conference in San Diego where she will speak with her counterparts from Mexico and Canada about how to integrate our efforts in areas like investment, economic development, and tourism. This conference also provides business owners from all three countries the opportunity to give input on how to improve the business climate in North America. 

Secretary Pritzker then invited members to the first-ever SelectUSA investment summit in Washington on October 31 and November 1. The conference will highlight all of the reasons why now is a great time to invest in the U.S. – with our low energy costs, productive and creative workforce, high R&D spending, world-class universities, and more. To date, more than sixty countries are participating in the summit.

Secretary Pritzker concluded today’s meetings by noting that in November, she’ll return to Mexico City, as well as Monterrey, for her first official trade mission.  She will be bringing companies from a number of key industries – such as advanced manufacturing, ICT goods and services, health IT, and medical devices.