The third edition of the U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) took place on September 29, bringing together senior government officials from both countries in Washington, D.C. The HLED was revived in 2021 to strengthen economic ties and cooperation between the United States and Mexico.
According to a press release shared on September 29, the HLED for the United States was presided over by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and Ambassador Ken Salazar. The HLED for Mexico was led by Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma, Secretary of Foreign Relations Alicia Barrena, and Secretary of the Economy Raquel Buenrostro.
In 2022, total trade in goods and services between the United States and Mexico reached a record-high of $864 billion. Mexico has surpassed the United States as the largest partner for overall goods trade as of July 2023.
The HLED focuses on four pillars: "Rebuilding Together," "Fostering Sustainable Economic and Social Development in Southern Mexico and Central America," "Securing the Tools for Future Prosperity," and "Investing in Our People." Through these pillars, the United States and Mexico are collaborating to increase workforce development efforts, boost regional supply networks, and support economic growth in southern Mexico and Central America.
The HLED also aims to strengthen supply chains in industries such as semiconductors, information and communication technologies (ICT), medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Efforts have been made to improve the efficiency and digitization of commerce and travel processes along the common border.
The joint statement released after the HLED highlighted the comprehensive and in-depth agenda of the dialogue, which advances shared economic objectives. It also emphasized the importance of addressing supply chain issues and reintroducing jobs and investment in vital industries to the North American region.
Through the HLED, the United States and Mexico are working together to lessen inequality, poverty, and spur job growth, investment, and regional prosperity. The dialogue serves as a platform for exchanging best practices and implementing strategies to achieve these goals.
The U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue plays a crucial role in strengthening economic cooperation and advancing shared objectives between the two countries.
