I. DESCRIPTION OF THE MISSION

Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans will lead a senior-level business development mission to Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico.

The focus of the mission will be to help U.S. companies explore business opportunities in Mexico. The delegation will include approximately 15 U.S.-based senior executives of small, medium and large U.S. firms representing, but not limited to, technology, equipment, and services in the following key growth sectors: energy and energy efficiency, environmental and water resources, information technology, telecommunications, transportation, medical, and manufacturing. These key sectors reflect Mexico’s infrastructure needs, the growth of a consumer society, and the boom in manufacturing created by NAFTA and the proximity of the U.S. market.
 
 

II. COMMERCIAL SETTING FOR THE MISSION

Mexico recently obtained "investment grade" status for its public debt from both Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s, a reflection of the country’s sound economic fundamentals and stable macroeconomic policy.
 
 

III. GOALS FOR THE MISSION

• Assist individual U.S. companies to pursue export and other new business opportunities in Mexico, by introducing them to key host government decision-making officials and to potential business partners;
• Assist new-to-market firms to evaluate the market potential for their products and gain an understanding of how to operate successfully in Mexico’s commercial environment; and
• Enhance the dialogue between government and industry on issues affecting the development of U.S.-Mexican commercial relations.
• Emphasize the benefits of international trade for improving the standard of living and quality of life for all mankind.
• Highlight examples of the corporate citizenship and active involvement by U.S. businesses in the communities where they operate in the United States and abroad.

The Business Development Mission will provide participants with exposure to high-level business and government contacts and an understanding of market trends and the commercial environment. American Embassy officials will provide a detailed briefing on the economic, commercial and political climate, and participants will receive individual counseling on their specific interests from U.S. Commercial Service industry specialists. Meetings will be arranged as appropriate with senior government officials and potential business partners. Representational events also will be organized to provide mission participants with opportunities to meet Mexico’s business and government representatives, as well as U.S. business people living and working in Mexico.

The tentative trip itinerary will be as follows:

June 17^th – Arrive Mexico City

June 18^th – One-on-One Business Meetings in Mexico City

June 19^th – Travel to Monterrey, One-on-One Business Meetings in Monterrey

June 20^th – One-on-One Business Meetings in Monterrey

June 21^st – Optional spin-off trips to Guadalajara or Tijuana for further business meetings, at additional expense.
 
 

V. CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION OF COMPANIES

The recruitment and selection of private sector participants for this mission will be conducted according to the "Statement of Policy Governing Department of Commerce-Overseas Trade Missions" established in March 1997. Promotion and recruitment will include, but not be limited to, posting on appropriate Department of Commerce web pages, notification in the Federal Register, and through distribution of the trade mission statement and further information to national and other trade associations and trade publications. Approximately 15 companies will be selected for the mission. Companies will be selected according to the criteria set out below.

Eligibility

Selection Criteria

Consistency of company's goals with the scope and desired outcome of the mission as described herein;

Relevance of a company's business and product line to market opportunities in Mexico;

Seniority of the representative of the designated company;

Past, present, or prospective international business activity;

Diversity of company size, type, location, demographics, and traditional under-representation in business;

Degree of company's commitment to corporate citizenship.

VI. TIME FRAME FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications for the trade mission to Mexico will be made available on or about March 22, 2002. The fee to participate in the mission will be between $4,000 – $6,000. Expenses for travel, lodging, and some meals will be the responsibility of each participant. For additional information on the trade mission or to obtain an application, contact the Department of Commerce Office of Business Liaison at 202-482-1360. Applications should be submitted to the Office of Business Liaison by May 1, 2002, in order to ensure sufficient time to obtain in-country appointments for applicants selected to participate in the mission. Applications received after that date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.