Press Releases & Statements
Ambassador Wayne Meets Secretary of Finance and Public Credit José Antonio Meade, SAT Commissioner Gutierrez
Ambassador Wayne Meets Secretary of Finance and Public Credit José Antonio Meade, SAT Commissioner Gutierrez
Mexico City, November 17, 2011 — U.S. Ambassador Anthony Wayne and Secretary of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) José Antonio Meade Kuribrena met today to discuss a full range of economic affairs including customs and border cooperation, the global economic outlook, and the government’s reform agenda, among other things.
Ambassador Wayne and Secretary Meade also discussed the agenda for Mexico’s presidency of the G20 in 2012, which will focus on rebalancing global trade imbalances, promoting financial inclusion, strengthening financial regulation, encouraging green growth and ensuring food security.
“Mexico’s presidency will be an important opportunity for the G20 to look to further stabilize the global financial system and address key imbalances which do not reflect market fundamentals,” noted Ambassador Wayne.
Ambassador Wayne and Secretary Meade also discussed Hacienda’s role in regulatory actions to disrupt illicit cash flow, reduce criminal organizations’ profit margins, and remove the camouflage of front companies used to move and launder money.
“Our close collaboration with SHCP on customs and border issues, through the Customs and Tax Service (SAT), has helped fulfill U.S.-Mexican goals for a 21st Century Border,” Ambassador Wayne said. “SAT receives training and equipment via the Merida Initiative, and is implementing operational and institutional development plans directly with their U.S. counterparts at the Department of Homeland Security. Our two governments are advancing critical trade, security, and immigration issues through the 21st century border management Executive Steering Committee, and SHCP plays a significant role in these advances.”
On November 16th, Ambassador Wayne also met with SAT Commissioner Lic. Alfredo Gutierrez Ortiz Mena. “I recognize the excellent partnership between SAT and our Narcotics Affairs Section in formulating a strategic plan for the Non-Intrusive Inspection Equipment (NIIE) and cooperating with other Mexican agencies in a comprehensive plan for NIIE,” Ambassador Wayne said. “The strategic plan is the road map that guides the Merida Initiative Border Security Program assisting SAT to develop a 21st century border.”
To date, SAT has received over $19 million in Merida-funded NIIE.