Gov. Jim Doyle's Trade Mission To Mexico

March 6-11, 2005

Mexico is now Wisconsin's second most important export destination, accounting for $788 million worth of product sales in 2003. In the first nine months of 2004 our exports grew by an additional 34% over last year.  Firms interested in expanding their sales in Mexico or their market potential in the country are encouraged to join Gov. Jim Doyle as he leads a Trade Mission to Mexico City and Guadalajara.

The Mexican economy, after facing a recession and negative growth in 2001, has experienced sustained positive growth since then. Mexico presents opportunities for many different Wisconsin manufacturers and service providers including:

• Industrial Machinery, including Metalworking Machinery
• Electronic/Industrial/Manufacturing components
• Auto Parts (OEM and aftermarket)
• Consumer Goods
• Processed Foods
• Infrastructure for Retail Outlets
• Electrical Power Systems
• Food Processing and Packaging Equipment
• Water Resources Equipment and Services
• Building & Construction Materials
• Medical Devices
• Plastics and Resins
• Oil and Gas Field Equipment & Services
• Agricultural and Dairy Equipment
• Paper Products
• Mining Equipment

Traveling with the Governor during a trade mission to an important foreign market like Mexico is an incredible experience. Mission participants get access to Mexican business and government decision-makers who would not be available under other circumstances. Trade missions will also frequently generate positive press in the local business community, and joining a delegation makes it easier to tackle many of the logistical issues related to international travel. Being able to use this occasion to effectively establish or expand your contacts and presence in the market makes the trip something not to pass up. The Secretaries of Commerce and of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Rod Nilsestuen will accompany the Governor and will be available to assist Wisconsin firms’ international sales efforts.

The Department of Commerce trade promotion office in Mexico City will arrange appointment schedules tailored to the specific needs of participating businesses. Appointment schedules will be limited to the first 15 companies that have a deposit on file. No new appointment schedule requests will be accepted after February 1.

One-on-one appointments can be arranged with:

• qualified business contacts
• potential agents and distributors
• potential customers and end-users
• market information specialists
• government officials and regulators

The mission has been scheduled to coincide with two major trade shows - TECMA, the 11th International Machine Tool Show in Mexico City and ANTAD, the annual convention of the National Retail Association of Mexico in Guadalajara. The Department of Commerce is organizing a Wisconsin pavilion at each.

To reserve a spot on the mission, print the registration packet, fill it out, and fax it back to (608) 266-5551.  For additional information, contact Jennifer Winner, phone: (608) 266-0413, e-mail: jwinner@commerce.state.wi.us.