Seven years ago the democratic nations of the Americas met in an historic Summit of the Americas in Miami. The core of that vision was the commitment to seek a free trade area for the Americas early in the next century. However, achieving this grand vision of a free trade zone will mean little if our transportation infrastructure cannot support the rapid increase in multilateral trade we anticipate. At the end of the day, the vision we seek to realize is not limited to a new connection between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. This new bridge connecting Laredo and Nuevo Laredo is clearly part of something big.
Transportation is truly the tie that binds.
But more importantly, it lifts up the people of our nations, affording greater opportunity for all. I believe that as future leaders of our two nations look back upon our efforts, they too will be proud of the World Trade Bridge our two nations built together.