The 3rd edition of the Conference of Competitiveness and Innovation in North America (NACIC) was held from October 27 to 28 sponsored by the Department of Commerce and the United Regional Chamber of Commerce of San Diego, there was an attendance about 400 people including businessmen, academics and leading figures in the region.

The main objective of NACIC is to promote a dialogue between partners of

Mexico , USA and Canada, focusing their discussions particularly in the promotion of regional strategies in order to enhance the competitiveness and innovation in North America, to promote the economic development, creating jobs through public and private investments, the use of clean energy and green technology, encouraging investment and opportunities in sectors such as aerospace, automotive industry, advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology and biotechnology.

The event had the participation and assistance of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE by its initials in Spanish) Sergio M. Alcocer, the Ministry of Economy in Mexico, Ildefonso Guajardo, Edward Fast Minister for International Trade and the Secretary of Commerce of the United States, Penny Pritzker.

Since Penny Pritzker appointment, this is the first time that the economic and trade relationship head members of this three countries meet to address the priorities related to the treaty and cooperation areas to deepen ties in the region.

During the event the Mexican Ministry Sergio M. Alcocer, highlighted the achievements of the Free Trade treaty in North America 19 years after its entry in force with the panel " The border region of North America in the new global economy," the ministry also remarked once again the relevance of endorsing the three countries commitment to advance on a trilateral agenda that could make North America one of the most competitive and dynamic regions of the world.

During the two days of the event the Secretary of Economy held a meeting with officials from the California Department of Transportation ( CALTRANS ) and the Association of Governments of San Diego ( SANDAG ) to discuss the plans and progress for the development of the port entrance at Mesa East- Otay 2 . The Minister of Economy, Ildefonso Guajardo was also attended this meeting.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Commerce Secretary emphasized that the problem of the border should be resolved as a strategy to strengthen trade; he noted that doing so they will be attracting consumers and income sources that will benefit these nations.

"The three of us are committed to resolve technical issues that affect us," he said.

When it was the time to address the issue

about the improvement of the border crossing ,

challenged about the position of the Federal Government on possible immigration reform, Pritzker stressed that the country needs a political change like this , she added that that if the reform is approved, the United States would be economically benefited

in

coming years .

Edward Fast Minister of International Trade in Canada said how significant was the FTA in 1994 and how much this has helped to strengthen the market in North America. Since its entry into force (1994) the block trade with the world has increased 234 percent (3.3 times), accounting in 2012 for 15.1 percent of world trade (79 percent of America).

Ministers responsible for economic and trade relationship with Mexico , the U.S. and Canada gather in the 3rd edition of the Conference on Competitiveness and Innovation in North America in order to advance a trilateral agenda that makes America the most competitive and dynamic world .

North America represents 27 % of global GDP, 7% of the global population and 17 % uptake of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Since the entry into force of NAFTA, the GDP of the United States, Mexico and Canada has doubled from $ 7.6 billion in 1993 to $ 17 billion in 2008.

Highlighting the advantages of investing in Tijuana

After participating in a forum of foreign investment, Luis Ricardo Rodriguez, partner of the Expansion and location of KPMG Company, highlighted the advantages of investing in San Diego -Tijuana region.

"The region has a very important consumer market represented by California. Has also a significant advantage -its location-, is the gateway for Asian trade and as we know, these countries have taken a leading role in international trade, this is why this area becomes strategic for the three countries."

NAFTA, globalization and talent search for the supply chain

Within the framework

of the North American Conference of Competitiveness and Innovation a series of panels, round tables and conferences where opened, here the main topic was focused on how the NAFTA agreement have been benefiting the supply chain of large companies, in one of these conferences had the attendance of head executives from Medtronics and Air Patrol.

Omar Ishrak of Medtronics and Cleave Adams from Air Patrol held a panel discussion in which highlighted the benefits they have gained through this treaty within their supply chain and what could improve the treaty to help other companies in their development.

The CEO of Air Patrol, a Canadian company that keeps cyber security retail chains in the United States, Mexico City and Monterrey, said that the company found great benefits to distribute its product in the three countries for being part of the economic block of NAFTA , and stressed out that the treaty streamlines transportation for their product, and allows the

free pass being this the without much difficulties, being this the parameter of

logistics in terms of export, however, he mentioned that there are many barriers that are part of the treaty,

and several are due to

paperwork that must be done to cross these products , he remarked that if this process is streamlined

it will be easier to attract more profits.

"There are some things that NAFTA do and does not do, it must not just focus on free trade of goods between the block, but must also do so in terms of recruitment so that we can recruit talent in order to grow."He said.

Meanwhile Medtronics CEO said that currently they have their headquarters in the United States where they have about 45 factories and service facilities, in Canada they have just one facility dedicated to the production of

special medical devices; they have the biggest plant in Mexico City... which employs around 3000 people.

Ishrak Omar said that NAFTA is a crucial tool for the region that should be used to regulate and reform the model in order to modernize policies and generate growth. He also said that despite their proximity, the three countries are at different stages of development so we must keep in mind that organizing and harmonize all regulations will be a change that will facilitate greater benefits; at the end of its participation he added that the medical industry could be greatly benefited.

"I think the production of medical devices is a business that is growing… I really appreciate cultural diversity that is diversity of both countries and I am convinced that we can accelerate the results if we provide personnel with real talent to our companies and improve relevant policies "he said.

On his behalf, Adams Cleave said he was surprised to find innovative companies in Mexico, but stressed out that it is useless if no one knows they are there, stressed that the Mexican system lacks much to do for their professionals. "The Mexican engineers need to get out, be creative and sell, because nobody knows you are there." He said.