ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR NORTH AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS
WASHINGTON – Government officials and industry representatives from Canada, Mexico, and
the United States convened today at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. for
“The Roadway to North American Competitiveness,” a roundtable discussion of the status,
challenges and opportunities regarding North American’s vital infrastructure. Sponsored by the
North American Steel Trade Committee (NASTC), a government and industry working group
devoted to trade and competitiveness issues, the event represented a unique collaborative effort
on the part of high-level government and industry officials throughout North America.
Discussions focused on how a strong and reliable infrastructure is crucial to each nation’s
economic health, as well as North American competitiveness at home, in the region and abroad.
Intra-North American trade alone accounted for approximately USD 900 billion during 2010.
According to Mario Longhi, president and CEO of Gerdau Long Steel North America,
“ infrastructure investment remains one of the key elements for the creation of job growth, which
is essential for a true, sustainable recovery, and a better future for North America.” Raúl
Gutierrez, President of the Mexican Steel Industry Association, commented “Infrastructure is a
key variable for the competitiveness of North American business.”
The event included panel discussions led by senior-level government officials, presidents and
CEOs of private companies,, and leaders of industry associations from Mexico, Canada, and the
United States. Panels presented viewpoints in four key areas: heavy users of infrastructure,
stakeholders of border infrastructure, current government efforts and future plans, and
commercial opportunities. The discussions highlighted that the efficient movement of needed
inputs, raw materials and finished goods is critically dependent upon a reliable network of roads,
rail and waterways within each nation. Effective and efficient infrastructure at our borders and
seaports allows for the smooth transit of goods between North American partners and
strengthens our respective export platforms and ability to ship abroad. While there are many
challenges, there was consensus that working collaboratively presents real opportunities for both
governments and industry.
For more information about this event, see www.NASTC.org.