Washington, D.C.- October 29th, 2025
The U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) convened its Annual Board of Directors meeting and conference, “The North American Partnership”, fostering a critical dialogue on securing the region’s economic future. The event featured leading voices who underscored the imperative of a cohesive, competitive North America.
Day 1- Border Issues, Security, Immigration and Workforce Development.
The opening panel set a foundational tone, addressing the complex interplay between security, trade, and community development. Key insights were delivered by: Ambassador Earl Anthony (Tony) Wayne; Robert E. Perez, Former CBP Deputy Commissioner; John Beckham from North American Development Bank (NADBank); Ismael Burgueño, Mayor of Tijuana; and Pedro Montejo, Secretary of Economic Development of Tijuana. Discussion emphasized that trade, security, and prosperity are interlinked, highlighting priorities such as modern border infrastructure, renewable energy, water security, and cross-border logistics innovation.
Day 2- PANEL II. Future of Regional Collaboration & Supply Chain Resilience
Moderated by Joseph R. Chapa, the panel included John Matton of American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM); Mike Mally of Uline; Ricardo Alvarez of Ryder Systems; and Jason Harmon of True Manufacturing. Experts stressed that resilient supply chains and economic competitiveness depend on innovation, workforce investment, and true North American collaboration.
Day 3- PANEL III. North American Trade and Transportation Infrastructure.
The keynote address was delivered by Jay Allen, Minister of Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Canada., who shared his insights on North American trade and cooperation, highlighting the importance of the USMCA as a framework for prosperity, security, and strategic collaboration, as well as the role of business and local chambers in connecting government policy with real-world impacts.
Day 4- PANEL III. Prosperity, Security, and Strategic Collaboration.
A subsequent panel on trade and transportation infrastructure featured Marisela Caraballo DiRuggiero of Port of Los Angeles; Antonio Perez of Knorr Brake Company; Christian "Chris" Goepel of HDR; and Guillermo Malpica Soto of Alianza in México. Insights focused critical investments in Mexico’s ports and freight systems, the revival of passenger rail, and the need for strong business-government collaboration to navigate trade uncertainties with resilience and in a competitive way.
Day 5- USMCOC 2026 Review
The conference culminated in a high-level discussion with Isabel Quiroz, Executive Director of U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Doyle, Director of International Policy at National Association of Manufactures (NAM); and William Waggoner of Mexico Petroleum Company. The dialogue centered on strengthening the USMCA framework, with experts urgent that its upcoming review remains a review, not a renegotiation, to preserve the trilateral trust essential for competitiveness. A key focus was how North American co-production is driving a manufacturing renaissance, identifying policy certainty, judicial transparency, and consistent enforcement as the bedrock for continued investment.
The conference concluded with a reinforced commitment from the USMCOC to serve as a vital bridge to foster the trilateral collaboration essential to making North America the world´s most dynamic and competitive region.
