(Former) Ambassador Garza recently spent some time with John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet (NASDAQ: CSCO; www.cisco.com). 

Mr. Chambers talked with the ambassador about his company's recent landmark investment in Mexico, leading Mexican President Felipe Calderon to say, "Cisco is a key ally in the country's development."  The two also talked about Mr. Chambers' views on the global marketplace and the role of public-private partnerships to foster greater competitiveness and prosperity.

Here, Mr. Chambers (JC) offers his own unique perspective to Ambassador Garza (AOG)...

AOG: You recently traveled to Mexico to meet with President Felipe Calderon and announce an unprecedented private sector investment of $5 billion in the country.  Tell us a little about this announcement and what it will do to improve the country's rural connectivity and global competitiveness.

JC: It was an honor and a privilege to meet with President Calderon and to collaborate in this effort. We see tremendous growth and opportunity in Mexico. These investments are part of our long-term commitment to Mexico, and will support Cisco's goals over the next 3-5 years in terms of delivering on the new socio-economic initiatives that we announced in partnership with President Calderon's administration, as well as supporting our ongoing business operations and commitment to the country. 

Cisco has been a committed investor in Mexico since 1993, and today we have significant presence in terms of both our supply chain operations in Ciudad Juarez and our country management team here.  Our announcement that we will collaborate with Mexico's government on education, digital government and rural connectivity underscores Cisco's continuing confidence in the long-term opportunity we see in Mexico.

I believe that education, infrastructure (including broadband), innovation, supportive government and collaboration are key pillars for the development of any country, and we view our investment as a platform that will enable us to jointly create sustainable growth and opportunities for Mexico and its citizens.

AOG: What do you see in Mexico that sets it apart from other countries as a key strategic market for not only Cisco, but other U.S. companies looking to invest or expand?

JC: Mexico has a supportive government and realizes the tremendous opportunity their country has to positively impact the economy, IT, and the communities in which its citizens live. This is a country that understands the tremendous benefits that can be gained from networked technologies and how they will transform education, energy, healthcare and the security of companies, countries and individuals.

AOG: Trade and partnership is a two-way street.  What opportunities do you see for Mexican companies here in the U.S. or more globally?  What role can they play in strengthening the U.S. economy and global marketplace?

JC: As we have said before, globalisation represents the future of countries, companies and job growth.  The intersection of globalisation and technology in countries like Mexico is spurring innovation and allowing the creation of unexpected and new disruptive business models.

Mexico's long standing as a key U.S. trading partner naturally represents a source of opportunity for Mexican companies.   However, in the current economic environment and recent challenges with H1N1, being able to foster more collaboration with customers, suppliers and partners based in the US and beyond without physical travel is becoming an imperative for Mexican companies.  Embracing collaborative technologies that will enable Mexican business to strengthen relationships with key trading partners outside the country has the potential to impact overall national competitiveness in a positive way.  

AOG: To what extent do you believe the private sector can and should engage in the public sphere-in areas like education, health care, critical public infrastructure and connectivity?

JC: At the core, collaboration across public-private partnerships is key for the future of countries and companies. I have always believed that business plays an important role in partnering with government to achieve common goals whether we are talking about education, healthcare, public infrastructure or broadband.  In my opinion, it is especially important for business to engage when a city or a country within our global community faces a difficult or challenging time.  Together, public- private partnerships can deliver an end result that encourages economic growth and prosperity, and raises the quality of our lives for generations to come.

AOG: You've been a real trailblazer in the field of corporate social responsibility, receiving several prestigious awards including the Clinton Global Citizen Award and the U.S. State Department's top corporate social responsibility award from then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.  How is Cisco uniquely positioned to deliver on its promise to be a good corporate citizen, and what dividends does such an investment pay for your company and the global community at large?

JC: Cisco has a long history of commitment to good corporate citizenship and we believe it is not just the right thing to do; it's also good for business. To be successful for our shareholders, customers and employees, we believe it's especially important to continue to invest in and support our commitments in a time of uncertainty. We view corporate social responsibility as integral to our business strategy, and collaboration through public-private partnerships is a cornerstone of many of our ongoing activities.