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Courtesy U.S. Embassy Mexico City,

(Mexico City) – Following up on Presidents Obama and Calderon’s commitment to build a 21st century border that promotes economic competitiveness while enhancing security, the United States and Mexico opened the Donna-Rio Bravo border crossing between Donna, Texas and Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas on December 14, 2010. This new bridge and customs inspection station will strengthen the commercial and social ties that connect our countries across our shared border, while providing law enforcement personnel in both countries with the most modern facilities and equipment.

President Calderon delivered keynote remarks, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin spoke for the United States .  After the ceremony, Ambassador Carlos Pascual said, “A key component of our global competitiveness is creating a border that positions Mexico and the United States to compete together in a global economy.  I have spoken with U.S. businesses in almost every sector that have told me that integration with Mexico has allowed them to lower costs and compete in markets where they would otherwise be excluded.  That means more jobs and exports for both the United States and Mexico .  We have begun work on the 21st century border by expanding existing and building new ports of entry.” 

Earlier this year in January, the United States and Mexico opened the Anzalduas International Bridge between McAllen , Texas and Reynosa , Tamaulipas, the first new U.S.-Mexico bridge in 10 years.  In November, the United States and Mexico opened a new commercial crossing at San Luis , Arizona –San Luis Rio Colorado , Sonora .  Today’s inauguration of the Donna-Rio Bravo bridge marks the third new crossing in 2010.  These openings, along with multi-million dollar expansion and renovation projects at several other critical border crossings, will improve trade and enhance the safety, security, and environment of border communities in both nations.