California-Mexico Mayors Hold Summit

Investments, the Internet and infrastructure were the dominant themes at the first California-Mexico Summit of Mayors, a three-day conference in Irvine and Santa Ana that aims to increase cross-border trade.

The summit hopes to match California and Mexican politicians and California and Mexican business owners in an effort to strengthen business ties between the two countries.

It evolved from a trip last year to Guadalajara by Santa Ana Mayor Miguel A. Pulido Jr., Irvine Mayor Christina L. Shea and three other California mayors.

More than 200 people attended the summit Monday; nearly 500 politicians and business leaders are expected to participate today, Pulido said.

“Obviously, we’re striking a chord,” Pulido said. “This is something that’s of interest to people. We’re doing something that is needed.”

U.S.-Mexico trade last year exceeded $200 billion, up from $70 billion before passage of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Jeffrey Davidow said in a luncheon speech Monday. The increase in trade has attracted jobs and investment, but has strained transportation and other border infrastructure.

Mexican mayors expressed concerns that they are falling behind in the Internet revolution. In panel discussions, Mexican officials asked how to devise and implement Internet systems.

Tijuana Mayor Francisco Vega De Lamadrid made an open appeal for U.S. investment. The city needs $240 million for an 8-mile trolley line starting at the border and a downtown athletic stadium that could someday host major league baseball games, he said.