ADDRESS BY THE HONORABLE CARLOS RUIZ SACRISTAN, SECRETARY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION OF MEXICO

The author discusses Mexico's recent experience in implementing reforms and structural changes to modernize its transportation system. Several key transformation and major achievements are taking place in Mexico. For example, integrating the railroads to other modes of transportation is essential to achieving an efficient system. The Mexican Congress first approved a constitutional amendment and then enacted a new railroad law. In addition, Mexico has successfully concluded the privatization of two short lines in the north of the country. Also, Mexico will be promoting an intermodal system that will link the railroad with two very important Mexican ports. In the air transportation sector, Mexico is considering the following: privatization of airports; arranging airports into four groups; and anchoring each group with a major airport -- Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.