The strength of North America has long been associated with the depth of its economic integration. Trade, investment, and highly interconnected supply chains have positioned the region as one of the world’s most important production and consumption markets. Yet the challenges shaping the international landscape today suggest that competitiveness cannot be measured solely by economic indicators. The ability to protect strategic infrastructure, facilitate the movement of goods and people, develop a skilled workforce, and strengthen institutional coordination has become equally important for sustaining regional growth.
These issues framed the discussion during the panel “North American Competitiveness: Infrastructure, Connectivity and Industrial Capacity,” held as part of North America Week, the annual initiative of the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico, Northeast Chapter, dedicated to fostering dialogue on the future of regional integration. The conversation brought together Joseph Hugdahl, Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché (ALAT) for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at the United States Embassy in Mexico City; Mark Neighbors, Regional Economic Analyst for the U.S. Department of State; Joaquín Spamer, CEO and President of CIL Group; and Oscar del Cueto, President of CPKC and President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico. The session was moderated by Francisco Peña, Partner at CCN and Vice President of the Human Capital and Labor Affairs Committee of the Northeast Chapter.
Security and economic development are becoming increasingly interconnected. Modern supply chains depend on reliable transportation networks, secure ports, efficient border crossings, and logistics systems that can operate without major disruptions. Criminal activity, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and operational uncertainty have consequences that extend beyond individual companies, directly affecting investment decisions and the region’s overall competitiveness.
Addressing these challenges requires closer cooperation between Mexico and the United States, while respecting each country’s constitutional frameworks and sovereign responsibilities. The protection of critical infrastructure and the continuity of commercial operations are no longer matters that can be approached exclusively from a domestic perspective. They require permanent coordination and a shared understanding that regional prosperity depends on the stability of the systems that connect the three economies.
The conversation also challenged a more traditional understanding of infrastructure. Competitiveness is not determined solely by the construction of highways, railroads, ports, or energy facilities. It also depends on the ability to integrate technologies, modernize customs processes, and develop logistics platforms that enable businesses to operate more efficiently. As global supply chains become more sophisticated, outdated systems and fragmented regulatory environments create barriers that undermine the benefits of regional integration.
Another key priority is strengthening connectivity across North America. Rather than viewing infrastructure projects through a purely national lens, it is important to develop assets and networks that reinforce the economic ties between the three countries. The long-term objective is not simply to facilitate trade, but to build a more coordinated regional platform capable of responding to changing global conditions.
Workforce development emerged as an equally important component of this equation. Industrial expansion and the growing complexity of supply chains require specialized talent, modern training systems, and regulatory frameworks that can adapt to evolving labor market needs. Greater cooperation in education, technical training, and workforce mobility could help address persistent shortages in strategic sectors and strengthen the region’s productive integration.
The discussion also reflected on the broader international environment in which North America operates. The expansion of global logistics networks and the growing influence of external manufacturing platforms have reinforced the importance of strengthening regional supply chains and expanding local sourcing capabilities. Increasing the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, improving supply chain traceability, and encouraging greater economic interaction within the region were identified as practical steps toward reinforcing North America’s productive base.
Ultimately, the panel underscored that the future of North American competitiveness will depend on much more than trade volumes or investment flows. The region’s long-term success will be shaped by its ability to connect infrastructure, security, workforce development, and institutional cooperation within a common strategic framework. As global competition increasingly revolves around the reliability and efficiency of integrated economic platforms, deeper regional coordination may prove to be one of North America’s greatest competitive advantages.
AMERICAN CHAMBER/MEXICO
Monterrey, Nuevo León | (17 | 06 | 2026)