(November 16, 2006) California Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg returned from Mexico, where he accompanied Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and a delegation of California leaders on a two-day mission to strengthen ties and increase economic opportunities in Mexico.
“The mission provided an excellent forum for the Governor to promote business investments in California and encourage tourism from Mexico to California destinations,” said CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg. “As California’s top export market Mexico has a big impact on our economy. The nearly $18 billion in California products exported to Mexico in 2005 supported nearly 200,000 jobs in California. Strengthening ties between California and Mexico is good for both nations.”
The Governor led the delegation of 60 California employers representing a cross section of the state’s leading industries, including agriculture, tourism, energy technologies, entertainment, manufacturing and financial services, among others.
The trip included several meetings with Mexican business leaders and key government officials to discuss ways in which California can help meet Mexico’s growing economy.
The delegation’s itinerary included a briefing by the U.S. Ambassador, a roundtable discussion with Mexican state governors, a special IMAX screening event and an environmental technology trade show in Monterrey.
On November 9, President Vicente Fox hosted Governor Schwarzenegger and a number of other guests including CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg at an intimate breakfast. In May, CalChamber hosted a breakfast for President Fox, who was greeted by more than 100 guests including a delegation of officials from Mexico, representatives of California’s state government and business people from California and Mexico, including representatives of agriculture, the service industry and manufacturing.
Later on November 9, the Governor and the delegation were guests at a luncheon in Mexico City hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce. Governor Schwarzenegger addressed more than 500 people at the luncheon, including representatives from California companies in Mexico and Mexican companies interested in the California market.
The delegation also visited the environmental technology trade show in Monterrey on November 10 that highlighted California's leading-edge environmental technology. From solar power technology to high-efficiency pumps for use in wastewater treatment and other industrial applications, the expo featured almost 30 California companies and other employers at the Cintermex convention complex.
The products and services on display will help meet a growing demand in Mexico for energy and environmental technologies. Over the past two decades, Mexico has focused increasing attention on reducing environmental impacts to its air and water from economic and population growth. Mexico's participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has also spurred the country to adopt tighter environmental controls and pursue cleaner alternative energy sources.
For more information of the Chamber’s positions on international trade issues please visit: www.calchamber.com/international.
Staff Contact: Susanne Stirling