Secretary Hughs Convenes First Border Trade Advisory Committee Meeting Of 2020

AUSTIN – Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs convened the first Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC) meeting of 2020, bringing together stakeholders from throughout the Texas-Mexico border region to advance initiatives to address challenges related to international trade with Mexico.

In her capacity as Texas’ Border Commerce Coordinator, the Secretary works closely in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Committee members to discuss strategies to better facilitate cross-border trade, improve transportation infrastructure and cargo processing, and increase coordination with public officials in Mexico.

“Last year, many of you welcomed me into your communities and gave me the opportunity to see firsthand the challenges that you face,” said Secretary Hughs. “I want you all to know that I am committed to ensuring that I can be a voice for your communities here in Austin, and I look forward to additional visits to our border communities to further strengthen our relationship as we continue to seek your feedback and input on how we can better serve you.”

Following a review of prior BTAC activities and accomplishments, the Committee heard from Carlos Hurtado Lopez, General Director for the Business Coordinating Council’s Center for Economic Studies of the Private Sector (CEESP), on Mexico’s National Infrastructure Plan.

The Committee received a summary of TxDOT’s outreach efforts from staff, with a detailed overview which included border crossing profiles, a supply chain analysis, future forecasting, and economic analysis. The Committee concluded with an open discussion on outstanding issues and a summary of action items for their next meeting.

The Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan (BTMP), expected to be completed in 2020, is designed to identify transportation infrastructure challenges, solicit feedback from stakeholders throughout the border region, and implement long-term strategies for continuing to facilitate cross-border trade.

The input gathered at TxDOT’s public meetings helps to identify areas in which local, state, and U.S. and Mexican federal officials can coordinate to improve efficiency in the movement of freight, goods, and people at the 28 ports of entry in Texas.