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I’d like to start by welcoming Secretary Patricia Espinosa.
The bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States
is a complex and challenging one. This past year has been
extraordinarily productive and our ties have never been stronger,
more constructive and mature than they are now. I know this
is in large part because of your leadership; Patricia – thank
you.
Mr. Marriott, thank you – not only for your presence here
tonight, but, more importantly, for your belief and investment
in Mexico.
Simon Diaz, as always, great job.
Larry Rubin, thank you for the work you do with the American
Chamber and bringing together this wonderful evening.
Earlier tonight, we heard a bit of the history of the American
Chamber in Mexico and I can’t possibly add any more except
to say thank you, Luis, for your insights on the Chamber’s
90 years in Mexico. Even in a city with a history as rich
as La Capital, the American Chamber has contributed significantly.
But as is true of all dynamic and forward-looking organizations,
I know the best part about the American Chamber’s story is
that which is yet to be written. Indeed, the Chamber’s mission
is even more important for both countries now than it was
in 1917. One need only to look at the positive effect on trade
the American Chamber has had in both countries in the past
few years to realize their importance. I’d imagine that not
even the most ambitious or starry-eyed of the Chamber’s founders
would have dreamt of the prominence that the Chamber enjoys
today.
Each day, we read about the common challenges that the United
States and Mexico face together. These challenges are leading
to greater security cooperation between the governments of
both countries. But there is something else outside of government
cooperation that is necessary in order to create a truly safe
and secure society, and that something is a goal everyone
in this room is working to support each day: prosperity.
I am a firm believer that while government does not create
wealth, it can create an environment where risk-takers and
capital are rewarded. American Chamber member companies recognize
that. Whether they are bringing to market the next revolutionary
product or encouraging the Mexican government to adopt policies
to make this country more competitive and more secure, their
goal is prosperity. For that, we should be grateful.
As U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Honorary President of the
American Chamber, I suppose my job tonight is two-fold. The
first is to pledge our continued support of the American Chamber,
your objectives and mission. We stand with you as partners
and it is our duty and pleasure to help such a worthy and
important group. On behalf of the entire U.S. Mission to Mexico,
I send my sincerest congratulations to everyone at the American
Chamber on 90 spectacular years in Mexico.
The second duty is to close the formal program with a toast.
As many of you know, I almost always close with a simple toast
asking God to bless the United States and Mexico. Tonight,
I’d ask you to raise a glass and join me in asking God to
bless not only the United States, Mexico, and the American
Chamber, but also to continue to give strength and courage
to those who are committed to building bridges of understanding
between our two countries, not walls of separation. |
