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Tuesday, August 5, 2014
california-mexicomission.calchamber.com
Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. returned this week from a successful four-day mission to Mexico, organized by the California Chamber of Commerce with the help of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education.
First Lady Anne Gust Brown and California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. meet with Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto on the first full day of the trade mission. Photo by Justin Short, Office of the Governor.
The July 27–30 mission was a reminder of the longstanding historical, cultural and commercial ties between California and Mexico, the state’s largest export partner.
The Governor’s schedule included high-level meetings with government officials, including Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto, the Mexico Secretary of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the ministries of environment and natural resources, education, energy and economy.
Traveling with the Governor was a 150-member delegation, including CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg, Vice President of International Affairs Susanne T. Stirling (who spearheaded the organization efforts) and foundation Treasurer Larry Dicke, CalChamber executive vice president, finance and CFO.
The diverse delegation also included members of the Governor’s Cabinet, legislators, and business, economic development, investment and policy leaders.
Full coverage of the daily activities of business delegates, including photos and news links, appears on the CalChamber blog site at http://california-mexicomission.calchamber.com.
CalChamber Members
Twenty-nine CalChamber member companies were represented on the business delegation accompanying the Governor, including BP America; Sempra Energy; NRG Energy, Inc; Paramount Farming Company/Roll Global; SeaWorld San Diego; and Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
Mission Sponsors
 Special thanks go to mission sponsors AES Energy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Peak Travel Group, Sempra Energy, and Wine Institute.
As Zaremberg noted in an interview preceding the mission, the trip “lays the foundation for improving economic ties and trade with Mexico, developing a better relationship that will help foster the movement of goods and benefit California’s economy and jobs.” Its success, he added, “will benefit California’s employers and the ability…to generate more opportunities for California goods, produce and tourism back to California.”
Environment
On Monday, the first full day of the mission, Governor Brown and Mexico environmental officials signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to combat climate change. The MOU lists a range of joint activities to reduce greenhouse gases, collaborate on strategies to respond to fires along the border, improve air quality and expand markets for clean energy strategies, and strengthen fuel and truck efficiency standards and support green freight initiatives.
Tourism
A campaign to promote travel to California from Mexico was announced by Visit California and Aeromexico and also unveiled on July 28.
Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, briefed the delegation on the program and played a few of the promotional videos that Visit California has created to market California as a top destination to visitors. Even though tourism is a service, it still is considered an export and is factored into the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). Every year, travelers pump nearly $110 billion into California’s economy.
Air travel is the key target of Visit California’s marketing, as air travelers spend three times as much money as ground transportation travelers do. The average Mexican air traveler will spend the equivalent value of 500 pounds of exported almonds, according to Beteta.
Education
A highlight of Tuesday, July 29, was the signing of an agreement to foster cross-border cooperation on education efforts, including online learning, student and teacher exchanges, and joint research.
Before signing the MOU, the Governor said he would like to make sure that we advance online learning, but acknowledged that it is still in a very “embryonic stage.” He said he would like to see the day when a student could take a course in Mexico and still get full credit at Cal State, all campuses of the University of California system, and California community colleges.
This scenario is inevitable, the Governor said, but the time frame in which this can be achieved is what is not certain. It depends on how well lawmakers can translate collaboration into real facts on the ground, he said.
“All things that are good, always require overcoming resistance,” Brown added.
Economy
The final day of the mission, Wednesday, July 30, included the Governor signing an MOU with Mexico’s Ministry of Economy to expand trade and investment between businesses in Mexico and California.
The agreement emphasizes advanced manufacturing, alternative energy, health and biotechnology, education, agricultural technology and tourism.
The agreement will also enable Mexican companies to access California’s Innovation Hubs (iHUB), an innovation network that includes 16 clusters of research parks, technology incubators, universities and federal laboratories, along with economic development organizations, business groups and venture capital funds.
Sacramento Luncheon Prelude
Serving as a prelude to the mission was a July 23 international luncheon forum honoring Mexico Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dr. José Antonio Meade Kuribreña. Special guests were Governor Brown and First Lady and Special Counsel Anne Gust Brown.
Many trade mission delegates were among the approximately 120 luncheon attendees.
At the luncheon, Governor Brown provided a brief history of California-Mexico relations, commenting, “Mexico and California have been joined from the beginning…Our roots go back even deeper than the Pilgrim fathers.”
Dr. Meade reinforced the Governor’s observation and summarized what delegates on the upcoming gubernatorial trade mission would find upon their arrival in Mexico:
- A democracy with strong institutions, including 80 years of orderly transitions;
- The second largest economy in Latin America;
- A stable economy with sound public finances;
- One of the most open economies in the world;
- A country with young and talented people, graduating more than 100,000 engineers a year;
- The fifth largest percentage of high tech exports in the G20 major economies.
Bilateral trade between the United States and Mexico is “amongst the most integrated in all the world,” Dr. Meade commented, and Mexico is the first trading partner to 22 states, including California.
The California-Mexico border—145 miles with seven crossing points—“is arguably the busiest land border crossing in all the world,” Dr. Meade said. He called for more partnerships such as the proposal to connect the San Diego and Tijuana International Airports so that Tijuana can help with the overflow from San Diego.“We should be recognizing that our border is a source of competitiveness and our border is part of the way of life of the region,” he said.
Accompanying Dr. Meade to the luncheon were Mexico’s Ambassador to the United States Eduardo Medina Mora Icaza; Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs in North America Sergio M. Acocer Martinez de Castro; and Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez.
Past Trade/Investment Missions
Over the years, CalChamber delegations have participated in the state’s trade and investment missions to Tokyo, London, Mexico City, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Taipei and Johannesburg.
CalChamber Board members and officials have accompanied five California Governors to various worldwide destinations, including Mexico City, Canada, Japan, Southeast Asia, China and Europe.
In keeping with long-standing policy, the CalChamber supports free trade worldwide. The CalChamber encourages the expansion of trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products aboard and the elimination of disincentives that impede the international competiveness of California businesses.
LEFT PHOTO: Signing the cross-border education agreement are (from left) María Dolores Sánchez Soler, deputy director, Mexico National Council for Science and Technology; Mexico Foreign Affairs Minister Meade; Governor Brown; Enrique Del Val Blanco, undersecretary, Mexico Ministry of Public Education. Photo by Sara Espinosa.
MIDDLE PHOTO: Guillermo Wolf (left), executive vice president and general director of the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico, and CalChamber President/CEO Zaremberg chat before the AmCham lunch. Photo by Deidre Graham.
RIGHT PHOTO: At the signing of a pact to strengthen trade and investment cooperation are (seated from left) Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Mexico Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, Governor Brown, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico E. Anthony Wayne, Senator Kevin de León. Onlookers include: Brian Peck, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development; First Lady Anne Gust Brown; Mike Rossi, senior advisor to Governor Brown; Panorea Avdis, GO-Biz. Photo by Sara Espinosa.
LEFT PHOTO: First Lady Anne Gust Brown, Governor Brown and Mexico Secretary of Foreign Affairs Meade arrive at the July 23 CalChamber-hosted international luncheon prelude to the Governor’s Mexico Trade and Investment Mission. Photo by Steve Yeater.
MIDDLE PHOTO: Mexico Secretary of Foreign Affairs Meade summarizes characteristics of Mexico, California’s top export partner and the second largest economy in Latin America. Photo by Steve Yeater.
RIGHT PHOTO: Governor Brown and CalChamber President/CEO Zaremberg before the CalChamber-hosted luncheon prelude to the Mexico mission. Photo by Justin Short, Office of the Governor
Mexico Mission Blog
The Governor’s Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico is set for July 27–30. For regular updates, please follow the CalChamber California-Mexico Mission blog at http://california-mexicomission.calchamber.com.
Featured Headlines
Looking Back on Governor’s Successful Mission to Mexico
(CalChamber – August 1, 2014)
California and Mexico Sign Pact to Strengthen Economic Ties and Expand Trade
(CaliforniaNewswire – July 31, 2014)
Wine Institute Joins Governor Brown’s Mexico Trade Mission
(Wine Institute – July 31, 2014)
As trade mission to Mexico ends, collaborative efforts will continue
Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, July 30, 2014
Gov. Brown signs two key agreements in Mexico
KCRA, July 30, 2014
AmCham hosts luncheon with Governor of California
American Chamber Mexico, July 30, 2014
Photo Release: Day 3: Governor Brown’s Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico
Governor’s Office, July 30, 2014
Governor Brown and Mexico’s Labor and Social Welfare Secretary Navarrete Partner to Protect Migrant Worker Rights
Governor’s Office, July 30, 2014
California and Mexico Sign Pact to Strengthen Economic Ties
Governor’s Office, July 30, 2014
Photo Release: Day 2: Governor Brown’s Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico
Governor’s Office, July 30, 2014
Advanced degree scholarships to boost students in Mexico
USC News, July 29, 2014
Governor Brown Convenes Mexican and Central American Religious and Diplomatic Leaders on Immigration
Governor’s Office, July 29, 2014
California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Weighs In on Gov. Brown’s Trip to Mexico
FOX 40, July 29, 2014
Brown: Central American refugees should not be scapegoated
KCRA, July 29, 2014
Gov. Brown signs education pact in Mexico City
KCRA, July 29, 2014
Mission to Mexico lands new business partner
KCRA, July 29, 2014
Governor Brown Signs Energy Agreement with Mexico
Governor’s Office, July 29, 2014
Governor Brown Signs Agreement to Foster Cooperation Between Mexican and American Colleges and Universities
Governor’s Office,July 29, 2014
California and Mexico – a win-win relationship
California Department of Food and Agriculture – July 29, 2014
Visit California and Aeromexico Launch Marketing Campaign Promoting Travel to the Golden State
Visit California, July 29, 2014
Photo Release: Day 1: Governor Brown’s Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico
California Governor's Office, July 28, 2014
Governor Brown Meets with Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto and Secretary of Foreign Affairs José Antonio Meade Kuribreña
California Governor's Office, July 28, 2014
Governor Brown Signs Agreement with Mexico to Reduce Dangerous Greenhouse Gases
California Governor's Office, July 28, 2014
Beyond the Border: Governor Brown Focusing on Climate Change
Fox 40, July 28, 2014
Gov. Brown hits the ground running in Mexico
KCRA, July 28, 2014
Secretary Ross in Mexico City for Governor Brown’s trade mission
California Department of Food and Agriculture – July 28, 2014
Governor, Trade Mission Delegation Arrive in Mexico
CalChamber, July 28, 2014
Beyond the Border: Governor Brown to discuss Economy, Climate Change
Fox 40, July 27, 2014
Governor Brown arrives in Mexico City to promote California trade
KCRA, July 27, 2014
Governor Brown in Mexico for economic summit
KCRA, July 27, 2014
Updated: California Governor to Kick Off Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico on Monday
California Governor's Office, July 27, 2014
Actualización: El gobernador de California dará inicio a una misión de comercio e inversiones a México el lunes
California Governor's Office, July 27, 2014
Trade Mission to Mexico to Begin Sunday
CalChamber, July 25, 2014
Governor, Mexico Foreign Minister Tout Longstanding Mexico-California Ties
CalChamber, July 24, 2014
México y California se reúnen para refirmar compromisos
Univision 19 – July 24, 2014
Governor heading south on 4-day trade mission
KCRA 3 – July 23, 2014
Governor Brown to travel to Mexico, focus on Trade and Jobs
KTXL Fox 40 – July 23, 2014
Photo Release: Governor Brown Meets with Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs Today in Sacramento
California Governor's Office, July 23, 2014
Photo Release: Governor Brown Meets with Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs Today in Sacramento
California Governor's Office, July 23, 2014
Governor Brown to Meet with Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ahead of Next Week’s Trade Mission to Mexico
California Governor's Office, July 21, 2014
El Canciller Meade Inicia Este Martes Gira de Trabajo en California
Mexico Foreign Ministry, July 21, 2014
Governor’s Mexico Mission Accepting Delegate Applications
CalChamber, May 13, 2014
Gov. Jerry Brown to Lead Trade Mission to Mexico in July
Los Angeles Times, April 29, 2014
Jerry Brown Will Lead Trade Mission to Mexico
Political Blotter, April 29, 2014
Governor Brown to Lead Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico
California Governor's Office, April 29, 2014
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 Blog by (Mrs.)
Susanne T. Stirling
Vice President, International Affairs
Blog Home Page:
california-mexicomission.calchamber.com
Day 1: Sunday, July 27, 2014
Day 2: Monday, July 28, 2014
Day 3: Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Day 4: Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Looking Back on Governor’s Successful Mission to Mexico
(August 1, 2014) Back in the United States after the Governor’s Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico, many delegates have been reporting follow-up activities.
The four-day mission to Mexico, July 27–30, was organized by the CalChamber with the help of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education.
The highly packed schedule included high-level meetings between Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and Mexico government officials, including Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto, the Mexico Secretary of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the ministries of environment and natural resources, education, energy and economy.
Traveling with the Governor was a 150-member delegation, including CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg, Vice President of International Affairs Susanne T. Stirling (who spearheaded the organization efforts) and foundation Treasurer Larry Dicke, CalChamber executive vice president, finance and CFO.
The diverse delegation also included members of the Governor’s Cabinet, legislators, and business, economic development, investment and policy leaders.
Twenty-nine CalChamber member companies were represented on the business delegation accompanying the Governor, including BP America; Sempra Energy; NRG Energy, Inc; Paramount Farming Company/Roll Global; SeaWorld San Diego; and Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
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