Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today applauded the Administration’s announcement of a new U.S.-Mexico cross-border trucking pilot project. Under the one year pilot program, 100 U.S. and 100 Mexican trucking companies will be chosen to have access to an open border between the two countries.
“The cross-border trucking pilot program will encourage expansion of an already robust trading relationship with Mexico, and the NFTC welcomes today’s announcement,” stated Mary Irace, NFTC Vice President of Trade & Export Finance. “We are pleased with the Administration’s effort to continue following through on our NAFTA commitments.”
Currently open access is restricted to the commercial zones adjacent to the border. This program will allow access to all of both countries although it only covers international cargo and hazardous material will be prohibited. After one year, a review of the pilot program will occur, and barring no problems, both governments will go forward with full NAFTA implementation of cross border trucking.
“We believe that trade produces the best returns for the U.S. economy and American businesses and workers when both the United States and our trading partners uphold trade promises. Today’s announcement illustrates continued progress and underscores the United States‘ desire to further strengthen economic ties with Mexico,” Irace continued.
In 2006, Mexico was our second largest trading partner and has been among the fastest growing major export market for goods since 1993, with U.S. exports up 132 percent through 2003.
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Advancing Global Commerce for Over 90 Years
The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.
