“If you want a clear view of the border, just go to Washington or Mexico City!”

I heard that cynical remark Week Two of my initial corporate communication and government relations assignment in Ciudad Juárez in 1993 at the height of the NAFTA debate.

Next week, representatives from Washington and D.F. come to El Paso for a first-hand look at where things are going between the two countries. This public-private dialogue on improving management of the U.S.-Mexico border and deepening economic integration takes place Wednesday at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Council of the Americas, UTEP and U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke have partnered to gather key players for this one. Eric Farnsworth, vice president, Americas Society/Council of the Americas sees the event’s focus as additional proof that the two nations’ economies continue to be very much integrated — with more to come.

via Conference Goal is to Raise Profile of Border Issues | AS/COA.