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Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
Good afternoon. Gobernador Cardenas, Humberto Suarez; Mexican and U.S. Treasurers; distinguished guests. I am delighted to be here with you in one of the most beautiful states in North America, Michoacan.
As I look out into the audience today, I am struck by the level of cooperation we have established in this room. I see state treasurers from the US and provincial finance ministers from Mexico sitting side by side, discussing ideas that will benefit not only the citizens of their own country, but those of their neighbors’ as well. It’s clear that a dialogue is well under way that can bring increased cooperation and prosperity for each of our countries, and strengthen our continent as a whole.
Earlier this year Mexico, the United States and Canada joined forces to establish the Society for Peace and Prosperity for North America. This new initiative was designed to develop new means of cooperation to make our businesses more competitive and our economies stronger. As a part of this partnership, the public finance speakers’ series, promoted by the Comisión Permanente de Autoridades Fiscales, highlights creative public finance efforts, helping to improve the competitiveness of state governments in Mexico. Low-cost financing for state infrastructure and public works directly improves the quality of life for everyone.
Today, on the one year anniversary of the speakers’ series, I would like to congratulate all of the Mexican participants, as well as their counterparts in Canada and the United States, for developing this successful exchange program. I also want to congratulate Governor Cardenas and Treasurer Suarez for their leadership and innovation in public finance. Governor, true leadership is the ability to make lives better. Through your vision and wise use of resources, the people of Michoacan will directly feel the benefits of this work. Your commitment to improving your community is a wonderful example for all of us.
There is no greater cooperation than sitting down together to share our ideas and to learn from each other. We may speak different languages, but it’s critical that we share the language of transparency and accountability in our governments. When countries share experiences and knowledge, we not only gain technical expertise to solve today’s problems, but forge lasting cross-border relationships for the future.
Thank you and may God Bless our great nations.
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