Business and community leaders from San Diego and Baja California are in Washington this week to press federal legislators about the importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship and international trade.
The trip was organized by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and includes San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and former Tijuana Mayor Carlos Bustamanteas well as representatives of many of the region’s largest businesses.
“In this election season it’s more important than ever to remind our nation’s leaders of the policies that are critical to business growth and economic development in the Cali-Baja region,” said Jerry Sanders, president and CEO of the chamber. “This large and diverse group of representatives from both sides of the border gives us a strong, unified voice to raise our region’s profile.”
Throughout the trip the delegation will underscore the importance of the US-Mexico relationship and the critical role it plays in the region’s growth and development. On Tuesday, the delegation will meet with Mexico’s ambassador to the United States, Carlos Sada, to discuss the regional bi-national economy
“This is an opportunity to counter the presidential campaign rhetoric and show legislators how this bi-national relationship is working and why it’s good for the county,” said Sanders.
Other priorities for the delegation include the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, more funding for homelessness, and programs for veterans. In addition, Faulconer is meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency about San Diego’s ambitious drinking water recycling program.
The trip began Sunday and concludes Wednesday. A total of 130 people are involved.
The chamber is the largest on the West Coast, representing approximately 2,500 businesses and an estimated 300,000 jobs.
