SAN YSIDRO, Calif. (KGTV) - San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastélum issued a joint call Wednesday to support the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
NAFTA was created in 1994 to spur trade between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.
Wednesday is the first day of international negotiations in Washington, D.C. The process may last for months.
Faulconer and Gastélum issued goals for negotiators:
- Ensure that small and medium-sized businesses have an opportunity to participate
- Dedicate tariffs and fees generated by NAFTA to border infrastructure, modernization, and staffing
- Recognize there is no one-size-fits-all approach to border security
- Renegotiate urgently to minimize the economic impact of the talks
“There has never been a more important time for San Diego to champion international trade,” Mayor Faulconer said. “Trade, open dialogue and collaboration create jobs and economic prosperity for Americans, Canadians and Mexicans alike. That’s why we are calling on federal leaders to preserve and modernize NAFTA for the benefit of future generations.”
Both mayors and representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce will travel to Washington, D.C. to advocate for cross-border commerce and open trade.
