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'Toba, Mexican state boost ties,June 2, 2006

The province is hoping to strengthen a mid-continental trade corridor by beefing up trade with a Mexican state.

Premier Gary Doer and Gov. Gonzalez Paras signed a memorandum of understanding to expand trade, tourism and co-operation between Manitoba and Nuevo Leon yesterday. Officials from Mexico and Texas are in Winnipeg for the North America's SuperCorridor Coalition (NASCO) conference.

Under the agreement, the two parties will focus on exploring business opportunities in Winnipeg and Monterrey, Nuevo Leon's capital. The province signed a similar agreement with the state of Texas in 2002.

Art DeFehr, president of Winnipeg-based Palliser Furniture and a panelist at the NASCO conference, said there is great potential for increased trade with Mexico, Manitoba's fourth-largest export market.

"Certainly, I think there's a lot more opportunity for trade between Mexico and companies to the north and a lot of it has to do with the degree to which we can get the logistics right," said DeFehr.

Officials Attend NASCO Conference
Posted Tuesday, June 06, 2006 :: infoZine Staff
City of Kansas City, Mo., officials attended the North America SuperCorridor Coalition conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada from May 31 to June 2.

Kansas City, Mo. - infoZine - This conference brought together senior government and business leaders from Canada, the United States and Mexico. The conference focused on building a sustainable and secure trade and transportation corridor for North America. The City's delegation met with Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz, Winnipeg Councillor Franco Magnifico, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and Manitoba trade representatives.

"Kansas City was recognized everywhere. During his presentation, even Premier Doer spoke of Kansas City's active work in developing business along the corridor," City Manager Wayne A. Cauthen said.

Councilman George Blackwood Jr., 4th District, who also serves as president of the North America SuperCorridor Coalition, was the master of ceremonies of the three-day conference. Ron Lemieux, Minister, Manitoba Transportation and Government Services served as conference chair.

Long-term benefits of building relationships at conferences like these are more jobs in Kansas City and with partners in Canada and in Mexico. Immediate results of the conference include a session that is slated to take place in Manzanillo, Mexico, in June. Leaders from Kansas City, Mexico and Canada will be a part of the gathering slated to take action on trade and transportation issues affecting all three areas. Kansas City established a trade agreement with officials at Manzanillo's deepwater port in 2005.

"I started working on our North American relationships and partnerships when I was mayor pro tem, and Mayor Barnes has continued supporting me in that work. Councilwoman Bonnie Sue Cooper and I have worked on this issue together. Now it's paying off," Blackwood said.

Councilwoman Bonnie Sue Cooper, 2nd District at large, was the keynote presenter at the tri-lateral luncheon and her topic was the role of cities in enhancing trade and transportation along the mid-continent corridor.

"Without a doubt, the response was wonderful when I told the story of how Kansas City established its trade and transportation routes and took a lead role in becoming an inland port," Cooper said.

Cooper took the lead with the City in establishing the Mexiplex, which currently houses the Kansas City-Mexico Business Development Office, the Hispanic Chamber, the Mexican Consulate and other offices related to Latino trade. Canada has been invited to join the City and Mexico in that center and establish a trade office.

As a result, Kansas City companies seeking local market exposure, agents, distributors or strategic alliance partners in central Canada will have an opportunity to take part in a trade mission to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in September.

Companies that participate in the mission will have one-on-one prescheduled appointments with Canadian businesses in the greater Winnipeg area and the Province of Manitoba.

For more information about this trade mission to Canada, contact Stephan Bras, Office of International Affairs and Trade, (816) 513-3521, or stephan_bras@kcmo.org.

Article link: http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/15555/