This episode's Democracy that Delivers podcast focuses on how individual entrepreneurs and policy professionals are using business integrity and compliance programs to deepen trade ties in North America. Michele Crymes, deputy director of CIPE’s Anti-Corruption & Governance Center (ACGC), sits with former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Tony Wayne, and Gabriela Blanco, an anti-corruption expert and specialist in corporate integrity, to discuss business integrity in Mexico’s private sector. Our guests share their perspectives on progress being made and challenges to creating a robust culture of business integrity and complianc in Mexico.

In 2024, the institutions and mechanisms of trade in North America are facing the potential for significant change. This year’s elections in both the United States and Mexico could lead to changes in the prevailing Untied States-Mexico-Canda Agreement. Regardless of the respective electoral outcomes, business will keep flowing between the three countries, and thus business integrity will remain a focus.

Drawing upon his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Mr. Wayne discusses the impunity rate for crime in Mexico, how a lack of business integrity hurts entrepreneurs, and what is presently being done to create a stronger business environment. Ms. Blanco likewise integrates her years of corporate governance work to examine how CIPE programs work with international firms and Mexican entrepreneurs to try to deliver better outcomes for stakeholders.