Pictured above, from left to right: Victor Pelaez, Mexican Consul of Political Affairs; Dale Wright, Commercial Officer and Standards Attaché, US Commercial Service, Mexico City; Alejandra Bologna, Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento; George Tastard, Director of Sacramento US Export Assistance Center, US Commercial Service.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2008, from 6:00-8:30pm, the NAFTA: Opportunities and Challenges seminar concerning Business Opportunities for Exporters and Importers through the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) took place at the Los Rios Community College Headquarters Chancellor’s Board Room, located at 1919 Spanos Court, Sacramento, California 95825.  Approximately fifty people attended this event.  Inland International Trade Association, Inc. (IITAI) organized this event and was hosted by the Sacramento Center for International Trade Development.  Co-sponsors included the California Chamber of Commerce, North California World Trade Center, Sacramento World Affairs Council, and the Sacramento U.S. Export Assistance Center.

Alejandra Bologna, the Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento, kicked off the event with welcoming remarks and special insights on doing business in Mexico, followed by Dale Wright, Commercial Officer and Standards Attaché, U.S. Commercial Service, Mexico City.  Wright presented on NAFTA’s impact on U.S.-Mexico trade since its inception, Mexico’s outlook, and the future of NAFTA.  Wright highlighted industry topics: Mexico’s national infrastructure plan, upcoming trade events, and powerful insights on how to do business in the Mexican culture.  Wright finished with an overview of the U.S. Commercial Service and reviewed results from FY 2007.

Immediately after the presentation, George Tastard, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service, Sacramento, and Ester Gordillo, International Trade Consultant, along with the presenters, counseled companies and individuals on doing business in Mexico.

This event was a great success.  The Sacramento U.S. Export Assistance Center is now working with one new partner.