U.S. diplomat calls for greater U.S.-Mexico economic integration

Creating more jobs will help create greater U.S.-Mexico economic integration, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico told a local conference Thursday.

Ambassador Carlos Pascual said a coordinated focus on security matters would also help integration efforts.

"The economic interests, environment and well-being of both nations are progressing," Pascual said. "That is what we need to go deep down to keep on strengthening the future.

"We have focused on security matters to create the space in which we can work calmly and make progress on the economy as well," he added.

The U.S. diplomat made the remark while addressing the 2010 Monterrey Venture Capital Conference held in Monterrey, northern Mexico.

Increased investment and enhanced economic integration, according to the ambassador, have led to a boost in development and the creation of more jobs in both countries.

Bilateral ties will improve for the peoples of the two countries as they improve security as well as the economy, Pascual said, adding that security concerns command as much attention.

"We don't want to focus our attention on only that (economic integration). It is only something that we are both facing. We cannot turn our heads and pretend it is not there. What we must do is to keep working on all these matters," the ambassador said.

Pascual told the conference that the United States and Mexico have tremendous cooperation potential for, among other sectors, renewable energy, especially solar and wind energy.

Source:Xinhua