The volume of freight at Mexico's seaports has grown substantially in recent years due to both the NAFTA and growing imports from Asia. However, the country's infrastructure is not keeping up with that expansion.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has provided the Mexican government with a $1.32 million grant to prepare a master plan for multimodal development, particularly for the ports of Altamira, Tampico, Tuxpan, Veracruz, Coatzacoalcos, Dos Bocas, and Progreso.

“NAFTA opened the door for the United States, Mexico, and Canada to partner together in the global economy,” said U.S. Trade and Development director Thelma J. Askey. “The grant will help Mexico to maximize the advantage of its geographic proximity to the United States and ensure the continued safe, secure, and efficient exchange of goods across our borders. A more modern and efficient transportation infrastructure in Mexico will help to improve the competitiveness and potential of our NAFTA partnership.”