Security industry groups call on U.S. Congress to pass USMCA for new market opportunities

The renegotiated version of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) could significantly benefit the continent’s security industry and open new opportunities in both new and existing markets, if and when it is finally passed by the U.S. government, according to a September 9 letter to Congress from the Security Industry Alliance (SIA), the Latin American Security Association (ALAS), and the Canadian Security Association (CANASA).

The letter urges Congress to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which tech groups have lobbied for but may not pass through the lower house before the session closes.

“The security industry in North America is undergoing substantial growth, a robust workforce and a strong international business climate and is poised to meet the high demand for security in our countries,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “USMCA reflects the 21st-century economy and updates several outdated trade policies that will benefit the industry and level the playing field globally.”

The SIA is also among groups attempting to combat hysteria around facial recognition in the U.S. The organization found in a recent bi-monthly industry review that nearly half of security professionals consider current business conditions “excellent,” and 69 percent say they are increasing either their number of employees or hours worked.

The three groups represent a combined 2,500 businesses operating in the three countries.

“The Canadian government has supported officially the USMCA as a positive trade agreement between our three countries for some time,” said Patrick Straw, executive director of CANASA. “We are very hopeful that this is ratified in the near future.”

“Mexico was first to ratify USMCA,” said Alberto Alvarez, CEO of ALAS. “This new agreement will strengthen commercial relations and boost business between the three countries.”

Article Topics

biometrics  |  Canada  |  Mexico  |  Security Industry Association (SIA)  |  United States