New International Trade Route Forged Between the U.S. and Mexico; Port of San Antonio Created at Military Base Scuttled by BRACC.

SAN ANTONIO -- An agreement to facilitate increased international cargo trade between the United States and Mexico was signed by Mexico's Secretary of Communications and Transportation, D. Aaron Dychter, Assistant Secretary of Transportation and officials representing the Port of San Antonio.

The signing ceremony took place at the Plaza San Antonio Hotel courtyard, the site of another international trade milestone, the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) more than 10 years ago.

With representatives of more than 30 Mexico businesses, federal and state agencies in attendance, the letter of intent establishes the mechanisms for moving air, rail and ground cargo principally from Asia and South America through Mexico and into the U.S. through KellyUSA, a multimodal port and industrial park created on the site of the former Kelly Air Force Base, which was closed in the first round of Base Realignment and Closure Commission in 2001.

"What we are saying today with this agreement is that we are joining forces with Mexico to develop multimodal corridors that will be mutually beneficial to each partner," said Greater Kelly Development Authority CEO Bruce Miller. "We're establishing synergies, origin and destination systems, facilitating access to international markets and creating new pathways for producers, importers and exporters to access the global market. All of which means economic gains for everyone involved."

Because of its land, sea and air connectivity, Mexico's transportation system provides a crucial link to the principal commercial trade blocks of the world. The Mexico/KellyUSA agreement will facilitate coordination of the various authorities and agents involved throughout distribution and supply chains and will play a fundamental role in the increase of interior and exterior trade competitiveness.

"We understand that we have the most dynamic border in the world and that border crossings through Texas are precisely the ones that account for more than 70% of the over land commercial exchange between the United States and Mexico," said Dr. Aaron Dychter.

Within 30 days following the signing of the document, a representative will be named to create a work schedule for implementation of objectives outlined in the letter of intent and to begin making necessary arrangements for coordinating and facilitating the shipping of merchandise between NAFTA corridor regions.