MOTRAN and Congressman Conaway visit to Chihuahua

The first phase of planned improvements for the Port of Topolobampo was completed in September 2008.

A MOTRAN delegation, including Congressman Mike Conaway, made a whirlwind trip to Chihuahua this fall to meet with delegations from the State of Chihuahua and for the Congressman to have a firsthand opportunity to study the opportunities linked to the La Entrada al Pacifico Trade Corridor.

“This was my first trip to Chihuahua and it was eye-opening and productive,” said Conaway. “I had the opportunity to meet with pro-business Mexican officials who are actively promoting trade and other economic opportunities. These officials are aggressively pursuing ways to promote job creation that would, in turn, benefit the job market in the United States. I look forward to working with them in the future to strengthen border security and improve economic opportunities together.”

The visit included meetings with economic development officials, including Chihuahua City Mayor Carlos Borruel Baquera, federal transportation officials, Chihuahua Secretary of Industrial Development Alejandro Cano, and Chihuahua Governor Reyes Baeza.

Meetings focused on development that has occurred on the corridor during the last year, as well as, proposed improvements to the South Orient Rail Line. Other participants included Coby Chase, Director of TXDOT Government and Public Affairs Division, Mike Hatley of the Midland Development Corporation. Coby Chase, who also heads TXDOT’s International Division, said of the trip, “The visit was a clear reminder that Mexico understands the future and that’s a healthy road and rail network to connect our economies.  Make no mistake: Mexico is serious about moving ahead.”

Past MOTRAN Chair Drew Crutcher echoed those same sentiments. “It is obvious from our conversations with Governor Baeza and economic development officials that they take infrastructure development very seriously and are continuing to move forward to ensure their future economic stability and diversification.”