Manufacturing Industry Leaders Operating in Mexico and U.S., Establish New Strategies for North American Competitiveness.
Binational manufacturing companies shared information on business opportunities and supply needs worth over U.S.13 Billion in Tijuana-San Diego, and highlighted competitive advantages in the NAFTA region.
The University of San Diego was the venue for the second North American Competitiveness Conference organized by the Mexico Business Center of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, focused on business opportunities and the global competitiveness for companies with operations in the Tijuana-San Diego Region.
Amongst key speakers and government representatives attending to the event were Ann Bacher form U.S. Trade Department in Mexico City, Geoff Bogart of U.S. Department of Commerce, Michael Camuñez, Assist. Secretary of Commerce, and from Mexico Carlos Guzman, CEO Promexico.
The event featured panels discussions with industry leaders from key sectors such as Medical Devices, Aerospace and Defense, and Clean Technologies. During the panels, companies’ representatives outlined the global competitiveness reached by their companies as a result of the combination of Tijuana- San Diego strengths, they pointed out the need for increased connectivity between the two countries, and the development of a local supply base with quality, on time delivery and costs.
Eric Pilaud, President and CEO of Customs Sensors and Technologies, called for eliminating the north-south divide and creating more high-tech opportunities south of the border.
Joe Da Rosa, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California said Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Tijuana needs tier-one suppliers, those able to produce major components such as chassis and motors for the automaker’s Tacoma pickups. “We’re working with some companies in the region and we feel they’re definitely capable of supporting us”
Jaime Gonzalez-Luna, president of the Tijuana EDC moderated the panel which discuss on the business potential available, he said there is an enormous opportunity with about $13 billion in parts and services purchased each year by Baja California’s export manufacturing sector. Local suppliers provide only a small portion of that, he said, and highlighted the different business models companies have to operate in Mexico such as shelter, contract manufacturing or direct investment.
