Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs

The arrival of thousands of COVID-19 vaccines to Mexico from the Pfizer-BioNTech labs in Belgium, via Cincinatti, on Jan. 19, 2021.

MEXICO CITY —The U.S. and Mexico have rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, and thousands of people are now dying on a daily basis on both sides of the border. For some analysts, the collaboration between both nations to fight the pandemic might not only bring positive results on public health but also on the economy. Last year, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador met with then-President Trump and signed an agreement to ensure timely access to COVID-19 vaccines for both nations.

Mexico and the U.S. are following similar schedules for vaccinations, currently prioritizing health care workers. And some experts expect collaboration between the two countries to improve with the Biden administration.

“The importance of the pandemic and rebuilding the Mexican-U.S. economies is going to be fundamental for the Biden administration,” said Heidi Smith, a public policy and economics professor at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico.

Smith said both countries may combat the economic impacts of the pandemic by keeping trade flowing.

Mexico has asked the U.S. to provide vaccine to Mexican immigrants regardless of their status, particularly those working in essential industries. 

Amy Glover, an international political strategist, says doing so would be beneficial for both nations.

“They’re part of the economy, and proves everyone to be living in a safe environment,” the expert said.

Glover said Mexico’s request underscores the need for a collaborative relationship on trade, while fighting the pandemic together.