But these differences are narrowing. And looking to the future, it is absolutely clear that our two countries share a common economic destiny. Even today, our economies are deeply interlinked. The economic slow-down in the United States is causing Mexican exports to slump. But investment in Mexico is continuing because investors realize that in the very near future resumed U.S. growth will be providing a further powerful spur to the Mexican economy.
Interdependence works in both directions.
When I visit my parents in Mission, Texas, I see that fluctuations in the buying power of Mexican consumers have a powerful effect on border communities in the United States. Interdependence is a source of strength, not vulnerability. Companies on both sides of the border are learning they can enhance their global competitiveness through partnerships that allow them to exchange goods, services, capital, technology and labor across our border. These opportunities for closer business cooperation will require closer cooperation between the economic policy officials of both countries. My colleagues and I look forward to this.