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Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Confederation of Industrial Chambers of Mexico and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters hosted the inaugural North American Manufacturing Conference at NAM headquarters where they formalized manufacturers’ commitment to supporting close economic ties between the United States, Canada and Mexico. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, CONCAMIN President José Antonio Abugaber Andonie and CME President and CEO Dennis A. Darby signed a memorandum of understanding, which will serve as a roadmap to the cooperation between the three organizations and outlines the key goals and objectives for the partnership.

“There’s never been a greater need for us to stand together. The world is caught between different political and economic systems. One system, our system here in North America, enriches lives and lifts people up into freedom and prosperity, while other systems oppress their people and rob them of their liberty,” said Timmons. “Together, we are an indomitable force for prosperity. The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement is a powerful force multiplier for the already unmatched productive power of our industries. And this agreement reminds us of what we can achieve when we work together.”

“Today we live in a new reality. The commercial competition with China, the pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, among others, place us before a second great industrial transformation in North America, the first one being propelled by NAFTA 30 years ago. Some call it nearshoring, friend-shoring, ally-shoring or reshoring. No matter the name, the truth is that this phenomenon is modifying the structure of international industrial organization. North America is the epicenter of this transformation,” said Abugaber Andonie.

“Manufacturers are an important driver of economic development and prosperity. We are key players in the changes and challenges of the 21st century,” said Darby. “This agreement between representatives of Canada, the United States and Mexico reinforces the strong ties between our three economies and manufacturing industries and serves as a reminder that we can achieve so much more when we work together. We would like to thank our colleagues from the NAM and CONCAMIN for this agreement, and we look forward to future cooperation.”

The MOU calls for the organizations to share information on each organization’s services and activities and to jointly develop the North American manufacturing agenda of the future. The associations will share best practices and policy recommendations to assist manufacturers in addressing future commercial challenges in North America, including, but not limited to, global competitiveness. They will work collaboratively to understand the challenges facing manufacturers in North America and commit to host the North American Manufacturing Conference on an annual basis in Mexico, Canada or the United States, on a rotating basis.

Click here to view the full text of the MOU.

About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Since 1871, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has been helping manufacturers grow at home and compete around the world. Our focus is to ensure manufacturers are recognized as engines for growth in the economy, with Canada acknowledged as both a global leader and innovator in advanced manufacturing and a global leader in exporting. CME is a member-driven association that directly represents more than 2,500 leading companies that account for an estimated 82% of manufacturing output and 90% of Canada’s exports.

CONFEDERACIÓN DE CÁMARAS INDUSTRIALES DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS

The Confederation of Industrial Chambers of the United Mexican States, CONCAMIN, established in 1918, is the main organization representing the different industrial sectors and activities of high importance for the economic development of Mexico.

It is an effective business representation organization, recognized by its leadership and full capacity to develop projects and initiatives through its work commissions, that contribute to achieve sustained development for the Mexican industry.

• We are an Organization committed to the economic growth of the country.
• Obligatory organ of consultation of the three orders of government in all those topics related to the industry in Mexico, according to the Law of Business Chambers and their Confederations.
• Annually, about 30% of the Gross Domestic Product that is generated in the country comes from those affiliated with the Confederation of Industrial Chambers of the United Mexican States.

In accordance with the provisions of the Law of Business Chambers and their Confederations, we are an organization of consultation and collaboration of the State; Therefore, we maintain a close, harmonious and purposeful relationship with the three levels of government and the powers of the nation.

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.91 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 55% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.