| Executive Director's Message: |
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We are continuing to work with the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Office of Mexican Affairs (OMA) to assist the state’s small business community with its international efforts. Our current project is putting together a trade mission of New Mexican companies that we will take to Chihuahua City in conjunction with the New Mexico-Chihuahua Commission meeting, tentatively scheduled for May 26, 2006. We are working on the details of this trade mission and hope to have the agenda and venue confirmed soon. The objective will be to put New Mexico companies in direct contact with Mexican buyers and suppliers. The IBA and OMA will arrange a series of meetings between the New Mexican companies and their counterparts in Mexico. If you are interested in joining us, please contact the IBA offices at 505-589-2200.
This month, we have a special columnist who is none other than our own NMSU intern, Allyn Childers. He writes on his experience working for the IBA in this special IBA-NMSU program. Look for Allyn’s articles in the future, as he will periodically be contributing these to our monthly newsletter. Allyn is representative of the talent base we have in this state, and the great efforts being made by people such as Dr. Kevin Boberg of NMSU to further New Mexico’s trade opportunities. The IBA wishes to extend a heartfelt “thanks” to both Allyn and Dr. Boberg for their tireless efforts.
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| Announcements: |
| International Business Accelerator Executive Director Asked to Moderate U.S. - European Union Panel: |
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Jerry Pacheco, Executive Director of the New Mexico International Business Accelerator was invited to moderate a panel at the 3rd Annual Congress-Bundestag Forum. This international meeting took place on February 23rd – 26th at the La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California. The Forum brought together members of the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, the German National Parliament. The German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Robert Bosch Stiftung Foundation were the major sponsors of this event.
The German Marshall Fund (GMF) of the United States is a non-partisan American public policy and grant making institution dedicated to promoting greater cooperation and understanding between the United States and Europe. GMF does this by supporting individuals and institutions working on transatlantic issues, by convening leaders to discuss the most pressing transatlantic themes, and by examining ways in which transatlantic cooperation can address a variety of global policy challenges. In addition, GMF supports a number of initiatives to strengthen democracies. Founded in 1972 through a gift from Germany as a permanent memorial to Marshall Plan assistance, GMF maintains a strong presence on both sides of the Atlantic. In addition to its headquarters in Washington, DC, GMF has six offices in Europe: Berlin, Bratislava, Paris, Brussels, Belgrade, and Ankara.
During the Forum, U.S. Congressmen and German Parliamentarians discussed issues such as border security, political campaigns in the U.S. versus Europe, and trade liberalization. As a recognized U.S.-Mexico border expert, Jerry Pacheco moderated a panel entitled “Trade and Economic Issues Related to Borders,” in which legislators from the two countries discussed a myriad of trade-related issues.
U.S. Congressmen and German Parliamentarians tour the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana during the Forum
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| An Intern's Perspective: |
Allyn Childers, IBA Intern |
By Allyn Childers
For almost a year and a half now, I have had a tremendous experience working side-by-side with the staff of the International Business Accelerator (IBA), breaking down trade barriers for small businesses on both sides of the border. During the past three years, the IBA has assisted New Mexico small businesses either wanting to import or export their products/services or to find joint venture partners in foreign markets. As a student majoring in International Business and Marketing at New Mexico State University, I consider myself to be very privileged to work with not only a great team of international consultants, but mentors as well.
I was first presented with the opportunity to work as a co-op intern in October of 2004 by Dr. Kevin Boberg, Associate Dean of the NMSU College of Business. Dr. Boberg has dedicated much of his career helping students such as me to get a foot in the door of their particular field of study.
Since I began working with the IBA, I have accumulated an invaluable amount of knowledge regarding international trade relations and marketing. However, there are three major lessons that my position has presented to me. First are the tremendous benefits that a free trade agreement such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) offers to companies interested in exploring their international markets. Unfortunately, I also have been surprised at how few people understand the ramifications of this agreement and how to take advantage of it. A free trade agreement such as NAFTA helps break down barriers to trade and facilitates business transactions from one country to another.
Another lesson that I have learned is how little research people conduct when attempting to enter a particular foreign market. Culture, which is a beautiful thing, can quickly become an international businessperson’s enemy if its effects on business are not understood. It is important to learn as much as possible about a business partner and the market in which he/she operates. This is critical in avoiding obvious mistakes that lead to losses of time, effort and reputation.
Finally, I now realize the importance and benefits of a state-funded program such as the IBA. A lot of people are interested in entering the global market. However, many small business owners are not prepared or are unaware of how to take the first important steps. The IBA plays a vital role in assisting clients with their international needs with the many services that it provides free of charge. With the correct guidance and a well-thought-out strategic plan, a business owner can have great prospects when doing business globally.
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| Upcoming Events: |
When:
March 8th
Where:
Mexican Consulate
910 E. San Antonio Ave.,
El Paso, TX 79910.
For More Info Click Here |
International Women's Day
The Consulate General of Mexico invites you to celebrate the International Women’s Day, “Woman without Borders”. This art exhibit will run from March 8th through April 28th, 2006. |
When:
March 8th - 10th
Where:
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico at the Fiesta Americana Hotel.
For More Info Click Here |
MEXICONOW - Mexico's Auto Industry Conference
Conference Objectives:
- Objectively analyze the business conditions of Mexico's Auto and Auto Parts Industries.
- Obtain detailed and privileged information on Mexico's Auto Industry.
- Interact with Mexico's Auto OEM representatives and Auto Parts plant managers.
- Develop an itemized operation costs pro-forma of a potential near-shore manufacturing project in Mexico.
- Hear from industry experts about the opportunities to participate in Mexico's Auto Industry value chain.
- Interact with Auto Parts sales representatives in a working table format.
For registration and additional information, please contact MEXICONOW at:
MX: 01-800-170-1010
US: 1-877-864-8528
or by visiting their website at mexiconow.com.
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When:
March 14th - 15th
Where:
El Paso Convention Center, El Paso, TX.
For More Info Click Here |
Borderland Tradeshow 2006
The World Trade Center/ El Paso-Juarez and the International Business Accelerator cordially invite you to visit booth # M9 to learn more about our trade promotion services. Our team of trade experts will be glad to provide you with free tips on how to best utilize a trade show and help you put together an effective working agenda.
Please contact Peter Ibarbo at 505-589-2200 for assistance in attending this trade show.
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When:
March 27th - 30th
Where:
El Paso, TX.
For More Info Click Here |
Lineae Terrarum
International Borders Conference
2006 Lineae Terrarum International Border Conference in El Paso, Las Cruces, and Cd. Juarez is inviting you to register. The registration fee is US$150. This includes, transportation, some meals, special social events and more than 300 presentations. The on-site registration fee will be US$200. You may register on our webpage www.research.utep.edu/lineaeterrarum in two simple steps.
1. Enter the webpage, download the registration form and fill it out (please not the payment method).
2. Fax it to (915) 747-8248 or send by regular mail to
Lineae Terrarum Conference
UTEP University Relations
1608 Hawthorne
El Paso, TX 79902
The preliminary program is now available on our website.
www.research.utep.edu/lineaeterrarum
For registration information
Lourdes Chee
(915) 747-8565
lchee@utep.edu
For conference information
Dr. Tony Payan
(915) 747-5227
lineaeterrarum@utep.edu
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When:
March 29th - 31st
Where:
Universidad de Monterrey, Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico.
For More Info Click Here |
Mexican Small Business Development Center National Conference
This conference is hosted by the Universidad de Monterrey and is the 6th Mexican SBDC National Conference. The conference will allow you to: participate in bilateral professional development programs in the area of small business growth, technology incubation and international trade; network with potential partners from the rapidly expanding Mexican SBDC network; develop innovative joint programs and services that will help your clients.
Visit the conference website at www.udem.edu.mx/centros/cide for registration and event information.
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When:
March 31st
Where:
Cathedral Centre 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX.
For More Info Call (210)
458-2470 |
Women in International Trade Half-Day Conference
The US Export Assistance Center - San Antonio and the International Trade Center at UTSA, in partnership with Bexar County, invite you to a half-day conference on March 31, 2006 focused on highlighting and encouraging the participation of women in international business.
The event will be from 7:30 am - 10:30 am and features a keynote speaker, an Export Achievement Award presentation and a panel of four speakers, each presenting business experiences in China, India, Europe and Latin America.
The cost to attend is $35 and includes breakfast and materials. Call Jennifer Martinez at 210.458.2470 for more information and for tickets. Sponsorships are available. |
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| Trade Leads: |
Corn Husks
- Business Type: Buyer
- Country: USA
- Description: A sole proprietor in Albuquerque is interested in purchasing corn husks from Mexico. The volume depends on the price. Packaging preference is per dozen or per bails of 8-inch to 10-inch premium corn husks FOB El Paso.
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Textile Machinery
- Business Type: Vendor
- Country: USA
- Description: A bio-energy company is currently purchasing a building which contains a full production line of German-made textile equipment. This equipment produces thread in high volumes and will be liquidated after the purchase of the building is made. The client is willing to entertain early bids for the purchase of this entire production line.
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PVC Windows
- Business Type: Vendor
- Country: Mexico
- Description: A window manufacturer in Chihuahua City is interested in supplying buyers located in New Mexico and Texas that may be interested in distributing a variety of PVC windows in markets within the U.S.
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Human Capital Development
- Business Type: Services
- Country: Mexico
- Description: A non-profit human capital development program in Chihuahua City is interested in offering training sessions and workshops to companies and individual interested in further developing various aspects of their human capital.
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For additional information on these and other trade leads please contact the IBA by phone at (505) 589-2200, by email at info@nmiba.com, or on the web at nmiba.com
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