Proyecto 1954

CONVERSATION HELD AT THE NORTH CAPITAL FORUM 2025

https://www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-secretaria-de-economia

This conversation touched on the policies, priorities, and strategies shaping Mexico’s role in today’s global economy. From trade diversification to strengthening regional integration under USMCA, the session will highlight how Mexico is navigating shifting supply chains, new technologies, and evolving global dynamics.

Participants gained insights into the opportunities and challenges facing North America’s trade agenda—and how closer cooperation between Mexico, the United States, and Canada can drive competitiveness, investment, and long-term prosperity across the region.

SPEAKERS:

Mexican Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez

Emilio Cadena, Chairman USMF; CEO Prodensa

En este episodio especial de Proyecto 1954, grabado desde el North Capital Forum, Enrique Perret conversa con Mónica Aspe, CEO de AT&T México, sobre la importancia del diálogo entre los sectores público y privado en la relación México–Estados Unidos–Canadá.

Juntos reflexionan sobre los retos y oportunidades de la integración económica de Norteamérica, el papel del talento joven en la transformación digital, la necesidad de políticas migratorias más flexibles, y el futuro del T-MEC.

Con una visión optimista y realista, Mónica destaca cómo, a pesar de los desafíos, la integración comercial y la cooperación regional siguen creciendo y fortaleciendo la competitividad de la región.

Un episodio imprescindible para entender hacia dónde se dirige la relación trilateral y cómo las empresas, la innovación y el talento están dando forma al futuro de Norteamérica.

In the latest episode of Proyecto 1954, host Enrique Perret sits down with distinguished guest Mariano‑Florentino “Tino” Cuéllar — the tenth President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP).

Tino Cuéllar brings decades of experience spanning academia, public service, and global governance: a former Justice of the California Supreme Court and a scholar of institutions, technology, and global security.

Together, Enrique and Tino explore the role of think tanks in today’s world of polarization and disruption. They examine how institutions like the Carnegie Endowment navigate washington D.C.’s policy ecosystem, influence public debates, and adapt to an era of rapid change. From deep dives into the architecture of think-tank influence to candid reflections on what it means to produce independent research in turbulent times, this episode is both insightful and accessible.

Whether you’re interested in foreign policy, institutional reform, or how ideas travel from academic offices to global capitals — this conversation offers a timely look into the power of ideas and institutions.

CONVERSATION HELD AT THE NORTH CAPITAL FORUM 2025

www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-sre-rv

This fireside chat featured Roberto Velasco, Undersecretary for North America at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conversation with Enrique Perret, Managing Director of the US-Mexico Foundation and President & Founder of the North Capital Forum.

Together, they reflected on the latest developments shaping North America, from trade and investment to mobility, security, and innovation. With a focus on opportunities for collaboration, the discussion will highlight how Mexico, the United States, and Canada can continue to strengthen ties and advance shared priorities in a rapidly changing global context.

Recorded live at the North Capital Forum 2025, this special edition features Enrique Perret, Director of the US-Mexico Foundation, in conversation with Patrick McGee, author and analyst, for a timely deep dive into the shifting dynamics of global supply chains — especially between the United States and China.

McGee, a former Financial Times correspondent and author of Apple in China, brings a fresh and nuanced perspective. Drawing on over 200 interviews, his book explores how Apple built its vast supply chain in China — and how, rather than China capturing Apple, it was China that adapted to North American standards. His narrative challenges common assumptions and reveals a more complex economic relationship.

In this episode, they explore:

• The current implications for tech manufacturing in China

• How demographics and productivity are reshaping global industrial strategy

• The rise of AllyShoring, and why Mexico is well positioned to play a central role in the new supply chain map

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of North American competitiveness in a rapidly changing global landscape.

In this episode of Proyecto 1954, Enrique Perret, Managing Director of the U.S.-Mexico Foundation, sits down with Ezra Kebrab, Founder & CEO of Caliza—a fintech company reimagining cross-border financial transactions.

Caliza is part of Bridge49: The Nearshoring Tech Alliance, a pioneering initiative by the U.S.-Mexico Foundation and AmCham Mexico. Bridge49 brings together leading B2B tech companies to drive innovation in logistics, procurement, supply chain technology, modern finance, and manufacturing. Its mission is to leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver smarter solutions, strengthen U.S.-Mexico trade relationships, and unlock the full economic potential of North America.

Ezra—born in Washington, D.C., the son of Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants, and now based in São Paulo, Brazil—shares his unique perspective on how fintech is transforming global finance. Together, we explore how technology can make cross-border transactions faster, cheaper, and more efficient, and what this means for connecting the U.S. and Mexico in new and powerful ways.

Tune in for insights on modern finance, nearshoring, and the role of tech entrepreneurs in shaping the future of North America’s economy.

En este episodio de Proyecto 1954, Enrique Perret conversa con Juan Pardinas, exdirector del periódico Reforma y del IMCO, sobre los grandes retos y transformaciones del comercio global. Hablan del impacto de los aranceles no solo en la relación México–Estados Unidos, sino también en el resto del mundo; de la inflación y cómo el poder adquisitivo influye en cambios estructurales de gobiernos y políticas públicas; del cambio de paradigma en la globalización y la institucionalidad del comercio; y de cómo la percepción social puede definir si hay marcha atrás —o no— en estas nuevas medidas.

In this new episode of Proyecto 1954, Enrique Perret, Managing Director of the US-Mexico Foundation, sits down with Dror Bar-Ziv — a USMexico360 alumnus, hedge fund manager, and business leader actively building community and networks in the Washington, D.C. area.

Dror reflects on his recent experience in Mexico City as part of the USMexico360 program, a week-long immersion organized by the US-Mexico Foundation in partnership with Meridian International Center. During his visit, Dror had the opportunity to engage with policymakers, business leaders, and civil society organizations — all while major policy developments unfolded, including the announcement of new U.S. tariffs on Mexican goods. These moments offered a rare look at the Mexican perspective, prompting deep conversations on how U.S. domestic policies ripple across borders, and how we might better connect, collaborate, and integrate as a North American region.

Beyond his experience with USMexico360, Dror also shares how his broader relationship with the Foundation — including events like the Meridian Ball Pre-Ball Ambassador Dinner hosted by Enrique and his wife — has deepened his interest and understanding of U.S.-Mexico ties beyond tourism. From business and government to civil society and diplomacy, he discusses the importance of building bridges that go far beyond trade.

This episode is a thoughtful look at how young leaders are shaping the future of bilateral relations, one meaningful exchange at a time.

En este episodio de Proyecto 1954, Enrique Perret conversa con Pedro Casas Alatriste, Vicepresidente y Director General de la American Chamber of Commerce en México (AmCham). Juntos analizan el momento actual de la relación bilateral entre México y Estados Unidos: desde los aranceles y las recientes reuniones de alto nivel, hasta las visitas oficiales, la interdependencia económica, el comercio y la migración. Un episodio lleno de contexto, matices y claves para entender el presente y futuro de la región.

In this episode, Enrique Perret speaks with Rudy Soto, Executive Director of the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) and former Presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Their conversation explores the vital role that Tribal Nations play in the fabric of the United States — from governance and cultural heritage to economic and community development. Rudy shares thoughtful perspectives on how these sovereign nations contribute to the broader national dialogue, especially in rural development and housing.

They also dive into U.S.–Mexico agricultural ties and the importance of collaboration across borders. As an alumnus of the USMexico360 program, Rudy reflects on how the experience deepened his understanding of the bilateral relationship and reshaped his approach to public service.