IBC Bank Executive Vice President Gerald “Gerry” Schwebel recently participated in a mission to Mexico City to meet with leaders of the incoming government of President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Organizer of the mission was the U.S.-Mexico CEO Dialogue, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The group, made up of both U.S. and Mexican leaders, addresses core issues in the countries’ bilateral relationship.

Schwebel and other representatives met with both Mexican Economic Minister designee Graciela Marquez and Chief of Staff designee and Liaison to the Mexican private sector Alfonso Romo. Also in attendance were officials from the Mexican Foreign Ministry. The visit follows the recent announcement of a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Mexico.

“We’ve seen what NAFTA accomplished for the prosperity of our country, and in particular the border region,” Schwebel said.  “The United States cannot abandon its leadership role in international trade.”

“Do not be fooled, this is not only a trade agreement,” said Chairman and CEO of IBC Dennis E. Nixon. “In addition to securing jobs and prosperity, this agreement is about being competitive and bringing stability and security to the region. What the United States was able to accomplish in the 20th century is now an opportunity for continued success for the North American continent in the 21st century. But we must work to keep the Americas competitive by advancing trade agreements with all nations in this hemisphere (North and South America) to compete against Asia, Europe and the emerging nations of Africa. We all look forward to Canada signing on.”