For Immediate Release:
Contact:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
MADISON – Wisconsin businesses interested in increasing product and services
sales to Mexico and learning more about the market should consider joining
Gov. Jim Doyle’s Trade Mission to Mexico from March 6-11, 2005.
“Mexico is a fast-growing market that offers significant export
opportunities for Wisconsin companies,” Gov. Doyle said. “I look forward to
helping mission members learn firsthand about this market and make the
contacts that will lead to future business.”
The mission will travel to Mexico City and Guadalajara. During the mission,
businesses will have the opportunity to meet with pre-qualified agents,
distributors, and potential customers; set expansion strategies; and meet
with key government officials. Participants will also take part in
briefings and business receptions with the U.S. Ambassador, and attend
several events with Mexico government and business leaders. Department of
Commerce Secretary Cory L. Nettles and Department of Agriculture, Trade, and
Consumer Protection Secretary Rod Nilsestuen will be on hand to help
Wisconsin firms make contact with prospective customers.
Gov. Doyle will open Wisconsin pavilions at two important Mexican trade
shows, providing additional market exposure for mission participants:
* The International Machine Tool Show will be held March 8-11, 2005 in
Mexico City. Visitors to the show are particularly interested in
metalworking and industrial machinery.
* The Annual Convention of the National Retail Association of Mexico
will be held March 9-12, 2005 in Guadalajara. Visitors to the show are
particularly interested in display and dispensing equipment and value-added
food products.
For several years, Mexico has been Wisconsin’s third-largest export
customer, accounting for $788 million in sales in 2003. Through the first
three quarters of 2004, Wisconsin exports are up 34.3 percent above the same
period in 2003, and Mexico is currently our second-largest export customer.
Strong export commodities through the first three quarters include
industrial machinery, up 20.5 percent to $152.2 million; electrical
machinery, up 149.0 percent to $142.7 million; medical and surgical
instruments, up 74.05 percent to $57.7 million; and beverages and vinegar,
up 10.5 percent to $12.0 million.
The Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
(DATCP) will coordinate the mission. The Governor’s expenses will be covered
by private funds. For further information on the trade mission, contact
Mary Regel, Commerce, at
608/266-1767, or Lora Klenke, DATCP, 608/224-5119.
