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7th Binational Mayors Summit, July 7th-9th, 2011

SAN DIEGO and TIJUANA, Baja California, Mexico, July 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders along with Tijuana Mayor Carlos Bustamante will host various Mayors, political leaders from Southern California, representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and their counterparts in the State of Baja California, Mexico, at the 7th Binational Mayors Summit in Tijuana, Mexico from July 7th-9th, 2011. The focus of the Summit is to discuss, collaborate and formulate strategies, programs and solutions that mutually benefit the Baja Region including California and Mexico. The emphasis will be on Economic Development and Business Opportunities, Tourism, Border Affairs, Public Safety, Water and Environment.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110703/CG29915)

There is growing emphasis on looking at issues and opportunities as a region, rather than California or the State of Baja, Mexico independently. "There's simply no way to overstate the importance of the border region to San Diego's economy as well as that of Southern California," Mayor Jerry Sanders said. "Billions of dollars worth of goods and services cross the California-Mexico border every year. In many ways, that commerce is at the very heart of San Diego's economic identity." Attorney Ruben Smith, partner at AlvaradoSmith and one of the founders of the Binational Mayors Summit, emphasizes "The state of the economy makes the Binational Mayors Summit more vital now than before. The success of one economy is dependent on the other. What is done at the summit is to bring political representation from both countries together to help strengthen the economies of the Baja region. Additionally, there is significant opportunity for U.S. companies as Mexico is an emerging market and a growth opportunity which is why business associations like the Latin Business Association are now involved"

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce is promoting business global opportunities at the Summit. "Under the Border Export Strategy, we are working with border communities to develop a community- and partner-driven pilot program focused on helping small and medium-sized businesses tap into international markets, compete globally, and grow their businesses beyond our borders," said Francisco Sanchez, Commerce Undersecretary for International Trade. Further Tijuana Mayor Carlos Bustamante said "I am convinced that the idea of Two Cities One Region in the international border proves that we can market for investment and tourism, both cities having strengths that complement and support the mutual benefit of an international commerce which benefits both sides of the border."

Sessions and keynote speeches will be streamed live on the Internet. For more information on the Live Streaming, visit www.MicheleRuiz.com/Events

Co-Hosts Include:

Rancho Santiago Community College District

California Centers for International Trade Development

Latin Business Association

Alvarado Smith

Media Contact: Wendy Bruget Binational Mayor's Summit, 213 440.1234, wendy@binational.org

SOURCE Binational Mayor's Summit