Contacts:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Ethnie Groves, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2156
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – As part of his Trade Mission to Mexico, Governor Jim Doyle met today with two Mexican environmental officials, Jaime Cristóbal Jaquez, Director of the Mexican Water Commission (CNA) and Alberto Cárdenas Jiménez, Secretary of the Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries.
The purpose of the meeting was to obtain clarification on standards, and explore business opportunities for Wisconsin firms as a result of changes in Mexican water regulations. The Governor was joined at the meeting by representatives from three Wisconsin companies, Badger Meter, Inc. of Grafton; Aquarius Systems, Inc. of North Prairie; and Earth Tool of Oconomowoc.
“Today, I had the opportunity to meet with top Mexican regulatory officials to learn how Wisconsin companies can market their skills and products to Mexico as it deals with water-supply issues,” Governor Doyle said. “I am confident that our discussions will open doors for these and other Wisconsin firms.”
The CNA is the federal regulatory body for all water-related activities in the country. It is a decentralized organization that falls under the auspices of the Secretary of Environmental Affairs. During the last decade, Mexico has recognized that it has acute water reserve problems that make water even more pressing than air issues, the current top Mexican environmental concern.
Today was the first day of Governor Doyle’s Trade Mission, which runs through March 11, 2005. Mexico is now Wisconsin’s second largest export market next to Canada. Exports to Mexico are up 35 percent to $1.06 billion since 2003.
Governor Doyle is joined by the Secretary of Commerce Mary Burke and Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Rod Nilsestuen, as well as various Wisconsin business leaders. A complete list of mission participants can be found at: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=2700&locid=19.
Last Friday, the Governor’s office also launched a special interactive homepage for the Mexico Trade Mission as part of the Governor’s website – http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/. The page allows Wisconsin school children to follow along as the Governor meets with President Fox and travels throughout Mexico. It includes descriptions of what the Governor is doing, information so students can learn about Mexico, and features an interactive map. It will be updated with photos and other announcements as the trip progresses.
