2013 could be the year of Mexico. The recent expansion of the middle class is just one aspect that points to a more promising future. Social, political and economic transformations are taking place at an increasingly rapid rate and inflation remains under control at around 3.5 percent.

With its entrepreneurial culture, well-trained labor force and close ties to the U.S., economists say it is just a matter of time before Mexico becomes one of the world's top 10 economies.

Shannon O'Neil argues that it's time to understand the transformations Mexico has undergone over the last three decades and work toward a true partnership and deeper cooperation.

O'Neil is senior fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Her expertise includes U.S.-Latin American relations, energy policy, trade, political and economic reforms and immigration. She is a frequent commentator on major television and radio programs and has testified before the U.S. Congress on U.S. policy toward Mexico. Her latest book, Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States and the Road Ahead, will be available at the program.