Why Mexico?

ECONOMY

Mexico's trade regime is built upon free trade agreements with the United States, Canada, the European Union, and many other countries (44 total). Since the 1994 devaluation of the peso, successive Mexican governments have improved the country's macroeconomic fundamentals. Inflation and public sector deficits are under control, while the current account balance and public debt profile have improved. Mexico’s sovereign debt remains investment-grade, with a stable outlook.

TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

Mexico's land transportation network is one of the most extensive in Latin America with 366,341 kilometers (224,749 mi.) of paved roads, including more than 13,035 kilometers of four-lane paved roads. The 26,704 kilometers (16,382 mi.) of government-owned railroads in Mexico have been privatized through the sale of 50-year operating concessions.

NATIONAL SECURITY

President Calderon has made combating organized crime a priority of his administration and, to that end, has deployed the Mexican military to 10 Mexican states to assist (or replace) the weak and often corrupt local and state police.

Mexico’s efforts to reform its judicial sector and professionalize its police forces reflect its commitment to promote the rule of law and build strong law enforcement institutions to counter the threat posed by organized crime. The U.S. assists Mexico in this effort through the multi-year $1.4 billion Merida Initiative, which directly supports programs to help Mexico train its police forces in modern investigative techniques, promote a culture of lawfulness, and implement key justice reform. Elements of the police force began to replace the military in strategic locations in 2010.

U.S.-MEXICAN RELATIONS 

U.S. relations with Mexico are as important and complex as with any country in the world. U.S. relations with Mexico have a direct impact on the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans--whether the issue is trade and economic reform, homeland security, drug control, migration, or the environment. The U.S. and Mexico are partners in NAFTA, and enjoy a broad and expanding trade relationship. Since the first North American Leaders’ Summit in 2005, the United States, Canada, and Mexico have been cooperating more closely on a trilateral basis to improve North American competitiveness, ensure the safety of our citizens, and promote clean energy and a healthy environment.