For Immediate Release                       Contacts: Jerry Pacheco, Executive Director-IBA 
                                                                            505.589.2200 or jerry@nmiba.com 
Katie Roberts 505.476.3747 or katie.roberts@state.nm.us
 
The 2006 New Mexico-Chihuahua Business Encounter
 
SANTA TERESA-The New Mexico Economic Development’s Office of Mexican Affairs, the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, the World Trade Center El Paso/Juarez, El Centro de Desarrollo y Proveduría, the International Business Accelerator and Western New Mexico University have joined together to co-host the “2006 New Mexico-Chihuahua Business Encounter,” which will take place on May 25-26, 2006 in Chihuahua City. 
This unique event will combine the activities of the “NAFTA Institute Conference”, the “Supplier Meet the Buyer Trade Mission” and elements of the  New Mexico-Chihuahua Commission. The Encounter is designed for the businesspeople interested in selling their products to Mexican buyers, importing products from Mexico and/or becoming a supplier to Mexico’s maquiladora industry. The organizers of the Encounter will match potential Mexican buyers/sellers with participants in private business-to-business sessions. Anybody interested in learning the mechanics of doing business with Mexico will also benefit from the NAFTA Institute sessions.  During the event, topical experts will be discussing the various aspects of conducting cross-border business.
Registrants will depart mid-day on Thursday, May 25th via chartered bus from the Santa Teresa, New Mexico Port of Entry, with a box-lunch served during travel.  Hotel accommodations (included in the registration price) will be at the Westin Soberano Hotel.  An evening cocktail reception with Alejandro Cano, Secretariat of Industrial Development for the State of  Chihuahua, will be held at the State Capitol Building (transportation provided).
 
The conference sessions and the B2B meetings will be held in conjunction with the New Mexico-Chihuahua Commission quarterly meeting. 
The cost to participate in this event is $189, which includes lodging, transportation, meals, materials and entry to all sessions. The organizers will assist participants in obtaining the required visa to travel to the event.  Interested parties are urged to sign up quickly, as space is limited.

Detailed information on the agenda can be found at www.nmiba.com/Temp/nafta.html. For questions or specific information, please contact the International Business Accelerator at 505-589-2200 or at jerry@nmiba.com.

#30#
 
 
Katie Roberts, Public Information Officer  
Economic Development Department
1100 St. Francis Drive  
P.O. Box 20003  
Santa Fe, NM 87503  
Phone: (575) 476-3747  
Cell: (575) 231-1488  
Fax: (575) 827-0588  
E-Mail:  Katie.Roberts@state.nm.us