Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

DENVER - Governor Bill Owens is leading a delegation of more than 40 Colorado business leaders and three Hispanic legislators - Joe Nunez, Frana Mace, and Rob Hernandez -- to Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico, September 19 through 21. The visit is an important step by the administration for increasing cultural relations and trade relations with Mexico.

"Colorado and Mexico share a common and rich heritage that has influenced both of our great cultures," said Governor Owens. "Strengthening cultural and economic ties with Mexico is an important goal of my administration."

"While many pioneers of the Centennial State can trace their roots to Mexico, it is important to honor and celebrate our history together and to look to the future with a common vision for our mutual prosperity."

While in Mexico City on Monday, September 20, Governor Owens will meet with Mexico's President Ernesto Zedillo and other officers including Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Public Credit Jose Angel Gurria, Secretary of Commerce Herminio Blanco, and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Juan Rebolledo. The delegation will meet with local businesses in areas ranging from high-tech to agriculture. That evening the delegation will attend a reception at the residence of United States Ambassador to Mexico Jeffrey Davidow.

Also on Monday's agenda is a visit with Mexican schoolchildren, where Owens will read to them and present the children with books from Colorado. The visit will commence a meeting by the Governor with Mexico's Undersecretary of Education Carlos Mancera to promote the importance of learning to read regardless of language or nationality.

On Tuesday, September 21, the governor will announce the appointment of a new director for the Colorado-Mexico Trade Office in Guadalajara, which was established four years ago. The delegation will attend a luncheon hosted by Governor Alberto Cardenas Jimenez of Jalisco, Mexico.

Mexico is Colorado's ninth largest export market. In 1998, Colorado exported $241 million worth of goods (excluding agriculture) to Mexico. Colorado's exports to Mexico include coal mining equipment, photographic measuring instruments, printing and publishing materials, electronic and computer equipment, and industrial and commercial machinery and equipment.

Colorado exported almost $90 million in agricultural products to Mexico in 1997. The major agriculture products exported to Mexico include beef, live cattle, sheep, popcorn, potatoes, and chocolate.

Editor's Note: Itinerary and list of delegation attached.

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