Press Release

Commerce Secretary to Visit Mexico February 1

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez will travel to Mexico City on Feb. 1 to meet with President Calderon, senior officials, business leaders and members of civil society to discuss ways to promote opportunity, prosperity and economic growth in both countries.

"Mexico has led Latin American rejuvenation, promoting social justice, instituting reforms that empower people, boosting jobs and opportunity, and raising living standards," said Gutierrez. "I look forward to working with President Calderon and his administration to promote growth and opportunity in both our countries and throughout the hemisphere."

"Our closer trade ties have really helped both countries grow," Gutierrez added. "Between 1993 and 2005 the U.S. economy grew 48 percent and Mexico grew 40 percent. We can grow together."

Gutierrez noted President Calderon’s focus on increasing regional competitiveness and creating jobs by strengthening the rule of law, facilitating cross-border trade, and attracting investment.

Gutierrez will give a major address to members of the American Chamber of Commerce. He will also visit "todos los Niños a la Escuela"/ "All Children to School," a nationwide program designed to offer quality vocational education for underprivileged Mexican students. Nextel has teamed with UNICEF to create this impressive program to give back to the local community.

Since the implementation of NAFTA, U.S. exports to Mexico have increased exponentially, from $41.6 billion in 1993 to over $120 billion in 2005. Through November 2006, U.S. exports to Mexico were $124.1 billion, an increase of 12.7 percent from 2005.