Albuquerque Journal Op-Ed
Many New Mexico companies have found Mexico to be a lucrative market. Take Miox Corp. of Albuquerque.
Business Opportunity Beckons in Mexico
Feb 21, 2008, Albuquerque Journal, Op-Ed / Letters to the Editor
BY ANTONIO O. GARZA U.S. Ambassador to Mexico
With over $1 billion of trade each day between the United States and Mexico, our two countries are
interconnected like never before. As a native of the border region, I can honestly say that nowhere is this more
evident than along our 2,000-mile frontier, where cross-border ties have meant long-standing and fruitful business
between Mexican and American firms.
With a population of well over 100 million, a fast-growing middle class with increased spending power, and its
geographic proximity to New Mexico, Mexico is an excellent market for companies looking to increase their sales.
Many New Mexico firms already do business in Mexico: in 2006, New Mexico export sales to Mexico topped $258
million, a 121 percent increase over 2002. This dynamic has solidified Mexico as the state’s fourth largest export
destination — and created new opportunities that support jobs and greater tax revenue for the “Land of
Enchantment.”
Now, New Mexico companies stand to benefit even more from key Mexican growth initiatives. In July 2007,
Mexican President Calderon unveiled his administration’s National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) aimed at boosting the
country’s international competitiveness. As such, the Mexican government will announce nearly $141 billion in bid
proposals over the next five years for over 300 key projects, including:
Environmental Technologies. To increase the availability of clean drinking water the NIP allocates $14 billion
for 50 projects, including three new aqueducts, seven wastewater treatment plants, and the modernization of 13
treatment plants in Acapulco.
Energy Sector. The oil, gas and electric power sectors are a priority for Mexico, requiring the construction of oil
platforms, power and LNG plants, and deep-water exploration projects. More than $76 billion has been
earmarked for up to 40 projects aimed at boosting capacity for hydrocarbon production, exploration, refining and
production. Electricity infrastructure improvements require $35 billion in investment.
Seaports. Five new seaports are to be constructed, and another 22 ports will be either expanded or
modernized. Approximately $6.6 billion in funding from private investors will be distributed throughout 17 of the
projects.
Airports. Three new airports will be constructed in the Mayan Riviera, Puerto Peñasco and Ensenada, and
another 31 airports will be modernized — many of these projects will start in 2008.
Highways. $26.6 billion will be targeted for the construction, modernization, and refurbishment of nearly 11,000
miles of highways and rural roads all over Mexico — over 100 projects are confirmed or in the planning stages.
Information Technologies. All of these infrastructure projects will require extensive use of information
technologies in the areas of computers, security systems, wireless and telecommunications networks.
To help U.S. and New Mexico businesses access these opportunities, USTDA and the U.S. Commercial
Service have planned a unique business development event, U.S. and Mexico: Building Partnerships in
Infrastructure, to be held February 26-28, in Mexico City. I will join U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to
bring U.S. and Mexican firms together at the conference, where they can learn more about the NIP.
Many New Mexico companies have found Mexico to be a lucrative market. Take Miox Corp. of Albuquerque.
The firm manufactures biological enhancement products for wastewater treatment and agriculture. With help from
the U.S. Commercial Service in Albuquerque and Mexico City, the firm was able to make new sales to Mexico.
Ioanna Engstrom, Director of International Sales, says that “with the country’s developing infrastructure and
demand for improved water quality, we see opportunities for years to come.” Engstrom says sales to Mexico
and NAFTA have played a major part in her company’s export growth which is expected to double in 2008.
Mexico is clearly open for business for New Mexico, and here in Mexico City we’re ready to help your exporting
firm find the right contacts and grow your business.
To see the agenda and register for the conference, please go to http://www.trademeetings.com.
For further information on the Mexican market, go to http://www.buyusa.gov/mexico/