TIJUANA.- One of the primary concerns for the government of both the U.S. and Mexico is to reduce border wait times, not only for regular border crossers but also commercial traffic as well. This problem is being binationally tackled, according to Tijuana Mayor Jorge Astiazarán Orcí, during a recent Annual Economic Summit held by the South Bay Economic Development Council.

During his speech, Mayor Astiazarán indicated he has met with San Diego Mayor Faulconer to discuss the border crossing situation, along with ways to improve tourism, in order to help both sides of the border.

"I would like to thank authorities of the Departement of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) because, thanks to their hard work, the federal government in both countries have paid particular interest in improving the border crossing infrastructure, which will undoubtedly result in economic benefits to both countries", said the Mayor.

Mayor Astiazarán highlighted the need to continue to collaborate not only to resolve the issue of transportation, but also concerns on both sides of the border in terms of security, economic development, and education.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer indicated that his primary concern is the reactivate the county's industrial sector, in terms of exportation and flow of goods which will necessitate more lane openings in the commercial port of entry as well as creating a binational railway.

Faulconer added that leadership by both mayors as well as collaboration between both countries has strengthened strategies for growth in Tijuana and San Diego.

The 24th Annual Meeting also included participation of authorities and representatives of various government agencies and organizations specialized on topics related to the border to discuss concerns such as economic development, binational commerce, the binational railway, the binational airport terminal, the expansion of the San Ysidro port of entry, and the commercial Otay Mesa II crossing, among others.

Also present at the event was Xavier Peniche Bustamante of the Secretary of Economic Development and Arturo Gonzalez Terrazas, head of the Binational Affairs Office.

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