This afternoon, the Bush Institute was pleased to welcome the Consul General of Canada, Ms. Paula Caldwell St-Onge, the Consul General of Mexico,...
This afternoon, the Bush Institute was pleased to welcome the Consul General of Canada, Ms. Paula Caldwell St-Onge, the Consul General of Mexico, Dr. Jose Octavio Tripp, and representatives of the Texas Energy Council. During a ceremony, the three organizations graciously presented the Bush Center with Canadian, Mexican and Texas flags. As they did so, their leaders noted the Institute’s economic growth initiative is re-focusing its work on the potential of an integrated North American economy.
“With three democracies of nearly 450 million people, vast energy reserves and increasingly integrated policies and markets, we believe North America is poised to dominate the global economy over the next decade and beyond,” Margaret Spellings, president of the George W. Bush Foundation, told the gathering.
The United States—and Texas in particular—has long been known for its independent spirit. Yet much can be gained from economic collaboration with our North American neighbors. The last 20 years of economic cooperation have built a strong foundation. At the same time, challenges remain. They include aligning policies and regulatory standards and addressing labor mobility and immigration while respecting the sovereignty and unique histories of the three countries.
That work may be daunting, but there will be a payoff. Expanding the efficient flow of human, intellectual and financial capital, in a sustainable and secure way, will yield increased innovation and greater efficiencies in manufacturing and production. In turn, that will ensure the continent’s competitive position in the global marketplace.
Even the longest journeys begin with a single step—which we were pleased to celebrate today. We hope the presentations of the three flags will be the first of many opportunities that the Bush Center has to collaborate with the private sectors and governments of Canada and Mexico and with U.S. organizations and governments. Our goal is to advance America’s economic well-being through the North American partnership.
