The Legislature finds and declares the following:

1. (a) The United States and Mexican economies have become increasingly integrated, particularly since the 1994 adoption of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.
2. (b) This integration has brought both California and Mexico opportunities and challenges in the areas of economic development, labor relations, and environmental protection.
3. (c) The California Office of the Southwest Border Regional Conference (formerly commission) was established as part of a joint American border states effort to further and develop favorable relations with the six Mexican border states.
4. (d) The efforts of the California office of the conference continue to be an essential part of California’s interaction with Mexico.
5. (e) It is important for the state and for the nation that state agencies continue to address important United States-Mexico issues.
6. (f) The Office of California-Mexico Affairs provides a focal point in state government to serve as a clearinghouse for information and assistance to other state agencies which are involved with Mexico.