Enrique Peña Nieto has now only a few days left until his inauguration, in which he will officially begin his six year term as the new Mexican president, but today he is meeting with the recently re-elected U.S. president Barack Obama, which in their meeting they will be discussing about several issues that both countries have in common, and most important above all, the future panorama of the relationship between the U.S and Mexico.

Peña Nieto left for his trip to the U.S. yesterday accompanied by his wife Angelica Rivera, and also with many of the members of his team that have been working with him for the transition of power.

Maybe for the U.S. president speaking about Mexico, is like speaking just about the immigration reform due to the large population of illegal immigrants in the country, which recent studies have shown that 1 out of every 10 Mexican now lives in the United States, but there are also many who are returning back to Mexico, and those whom have stayed in the U.S. are there legally or those who have left to the U.S. get there legally, which in this last election at least 70% of Latinos supported Obama.

Latinos have become the biggest minority in the United States, but this is due to the birth rate over the past years which have increased this number in the population.

For many Mexicans the American dream is not the same like it used to be, and interesting enough the unemployment rate in the U.S. is double than what Mexico currently has, which the old perception of getting to the U.S. meant making "lots of dollars" is something that is no longer completely possible and true, and has led many to stay in Mexico and maintain a stable job.

Throughout this year Mexico has had more growth than Brazil, who had been previously considered as the country that had the most growth in all of Latin America, and all indications continue to point that this tendency for Mexico will maintain.

By 2018 Mexico is being projected as the country with the largest amount of exportation thanks to the investment in labor conditions, which are better than China that will lead to products once again having their tags labeled with "Made in Mexico".

Sources like "The Economist" have spoken to specialist about the impact of this "new" Mexico in the U.S., and the recommendation that they made was to adopt an image in which both countries can benefit from Mexico's ongoing development.

Due to the events of September 11, 20011, crossing the border that the U.S. and Mexico share has become a nightmare for many, which is something important that should be re-evaluated because it has had some negative effects to the businesses and economy of the region.

It has been estimated that just on Black Friday alone, residents from Tijuana spent between $300-$1000 dollars on their purchases in California in general, and every year the total amount that residents from Baja California spend in the Golden State is around 4 million dollars.

Although people may still point out the amount of violence that the country has, the change in the Mexican economy and society has been very noticeable.

For these reasons and more the international community agrees that it is necessary to look further beyond south of the border, because Mexico is on its way to becoming the strongest Latin American country, but not completely because of those who have risen to power, but because of will and efforts of its people.

Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto a few hours ago through some social networks posted some pictures of his first meeting today, which in the picture you can see him with Janet Napolitano who is the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

Obama and Peña Nieto will most likely talk about the immigration reform, the war on drugs, and the economy and much more, but the most important question that might be asked is what can Mexico do or offer the United States?

Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com

Translation: Omar.Martinez@sandiegored.com