MCALLEN, Texas – The Border Trade Alliance has congratulated President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration.
BTA has served as a grassroots, non-profit organization since 1986. It provides a forum for discussion and advocacy on issues pertaining to the environment, border development, quality of life and trade in the Americas.
Its president is Britton Mullen and its chairman is Sergio Contreras. Both say they are looking forward to working with the new administration to expand trade and lower regulatory barriers while ensuring border security remains strong.
“The pandemic has taken a major toll on border communities north and south,” Mullen said.
“The BTA is a ready and willing partner as we seek to responsibly ease border travel restrictions that have devastated border community economies while also slowing the spread of Covid-19. We are hopeful that Department of Homeland Security secretary nominee Alejandro Mayorkas will soon be confirmed to his position by the U.S. Senate and that DHS and stakeholders can develop a plan for a safe resumption of travel and commerce.”
Contreras said the BTA comprises a network of public and private sector representatives from the United States, Mexico and Canada. He said its core values include a commitment to improving the quality of life of border communities through trade and commerce.
“For more than three decades the BTA has worked with administrations of both parties to promote an agenda that seeks to expand trade through lower tariffs, well-resourced inspection agencies, and modern infrastructure,” Contreras said.
“The BTA looks forward to working with President Biden and his entire administration to achieve the promise of USMCA, forge closer ties with our neighbors and partners Canada and Mexico, pass an infrastructure package that will reduce congestion and enhance the nation’s logistics network, and grow the economy through expanded trade.”
In a news release, the BTA lists other issues it will work with the Biden administration on. These include the previous administration’s efforts to curb fresh produce imports from Canada and Mexico, which the BTA strongly opposes.
The BTA also wants to ensure products manufactured in U.S. Foreign Trade Zones receive duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
The group also wants to enhance and reauthorize the Donation Acceptance Program, which allows local government and private sector stakeholders to partner with the federal government to improve trade-facilitating infrastructure in and around ports of entry.
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying the above news story shows Britton Mullen, president of the Border Trade Alliance.
Quality journalism takes time, effort and…. Money!
Producing quality journalism is not cheap. The coronavirus has resulted in falling revenues across the newsrooms of the United States. However, The Rio Grande Guardian is committed to producing quality news reporting on the issues that matter to border residents. The support of our members is vital in ensuring our mission gets fulfilled.
Can we count on your support? If so, click HERE. Thank you!
