SECRETARY DON EVANS SPOTLIGHTS U.S. CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
SUPPORTING EDUCATION IN MEXICO CITY

"Education is a valuable resource that will assist students open the doors of opportunity, and a better way of life," said Evans. "Ford has exhibited the importance of good corporate citizenship to the people of Mexico and highlighted the spirit of volunteerism and giving."

Evans visited the Ford Elementary School in Mexico City with the U.S. trade delegation. Ford Motor Company sponsors the schools in cooperation with its Mexican Dealers. The Ford Motor Company has built, equipped and continuously supported 200 schools in poor neighborhoods throughout Mexico.

Ford also supports the schools after they are built with a program of volunteer support organized by the wives of Ford dealers. The support program includes:

� Training Courses for Principals and Teachers;

� Ford Schools Sports Tournament;

� Parenting Classes; and

� Media and Computer Rooms

"The Ford Schools program is an example of corporate citizenship that all companies great or small are capable of contributing to," said Evans. "I am convinced that each of us can help strengthen our communities and provide others with opportunities to seek a higher education and a brighter future."

Evans also applauded one of his mission participants, Eli Lilly, for investing nearly $1 million in the past four years to provide information to diabetes nurse educators and physicians, as well as patients living in Mexico.

Today was the final leg of the U.S. business development mission's visit in Mexico City. On Tuesday, Secretary Evans met with Economy Secretary Luis Derbez and Energy Secretary Ernesto Martens. In his meeting with Derbez, Evans discussed various trade issues including steel, Mexican cement, and agricultural products. Evans encouraged the Mexican Energy Secretary to consider the enormous benefits of increasing private participation in the energy sector without any dilution of sovereignty or lessening of effective government regulation.

The mission will continue to Monterrey where mission participants will spend two days meeting with Nuevo Leon Governor Fernando Canales and other top Mexico officials. They will discuss the possibility of Mexican and American business leaders doing business in Mexico, and prospective new business partners.