The Noreste Chapter in Monterrey was the site of a recent conference for the automotive industry entitled “Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities in Mexico.” With almost 100 participants in attendance, expert panelists from several industry leaders such as Caterpillar Inc and John Deere and Company, joined U.S. and Mexican customs representatives in outlining current and future issues in automotive supply chain logistics, especially as they relate to product movement between the two countries, which continues to increase at a fast pace.
While the logistics and attendance for the event were organized and planned by the chamber, the content was designed and coordinated by Richard Roche, president of the Supply Chain Collaboration Council and member of the board of directors of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The event was held February 23 at the impressive Safi Valle Hotel in the upscale Monterrey suburb of San Pedro Garza Garcia, just minutes from downtown, and was kicked off with a reception at the same venue the previous evening.
Fernando Elizondo, senior official working with Jaime Rodriguez, governor of the state of Nuevo Leon, was the guest of honor at the reception. Other noteworthy guests included U.S. Consul General Timothy Zuñiga-Brown, and Dr. Jesus Ancer, former chancellor at the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon and now director of its affiliated Institute for Research and Development in Health Sciences.
Hosting and representing the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce were its president and CEO, Al Zapanta; vice president Joe Chapa; Dr. Eric Gustafson, Monterrey chapter president; and Roberto Fuerte, executive director of the Monterrey Chapter.
The conference keynote speaker was Nuevo Leon’s secretary for economic development, Hon. Fernando Turner. Secretary Turner spoke about the state’s development plan and perspectives on current and future growth and employment, especially in key areas and sectors of focus, such as automotive.
It was evident from comments made during the event by both speakers and participants, that issues in supply chain are of utmost importance and interest, especially in this particular market, and should continue to be addressed in future events. In fact, several people called for a plan to undertake follow-up conferences on supply chain logistics before the end of the year.
The chamber and Richard Roche were thanked for taking the event to Monterrey and for its success. Others who were instrumental in contributing to this success were sponsors Caterpillar Inc. and ALFRA and OCA Consulting, along with chamber friends and advisors, Alex Villarreal, Maria Jose Trevino and Francisco Ocejo.
