Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to visit Monterrey, the City of the Mountains – the industrial, financial and economic engine of Mexico – and build business across borders. Fortune Magazine declared Monterrey to be one of the best cities with which to do business.

The Canadian chapters of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT-Toronto www.owit-toronto.ca and OWIT-Alberta www.owitalberta.org) are hosting a trade mission to Mexico this fall to coincide with OWIT’s Annual World Conference.

OWIT’s Canadian chapters have a sister chapter in Monterrey, which provides a strong link to networking opportunities and business contacts to enhance success.

Why do business with Mexico?

• Mexico is a key partner in all facets of North American culture, politics and economics
• It is the world’s 5th largest export market and 3rd largest source of imports
• Over 1,800 Canadian companies are located there
• Bilateral trade has gone up over 400% since the FTA in 1993 ($21 billion in 2006)
• The projected value of Canada’s future economic relationship with Mexico is $30+ billion
• A secure and prosperous Mexico will be a democratic anchor in Latin America

Why join a trade mission?

• To meet valuable face-to-face contacts
• To research a new market
• To get market assistance from trade commissioners
• To network with other women exporters
• To participate in a related conference
• To expand your business globally!

The focus of the Mexico trade mission will be on business match-making and networking for participants. Sectors representing the greatest opportunity for Canadian businesses include: advanced manufacturing, automobile industry, auto parts, plastics, agri-food, environment, construction, biotechnology and IT. Service-based companies may have good opportunities if they serve the sectors listed above or if they form a partnership with local service companies and bring new systems and technology.

Business match-making process

Each trade mission participant will be booked for 3 to 4 meetings in Monterrey, based on information and goals provided. The matching will be done by an experienced company, Trade Partners, whose principal is Alma Farias. A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Alma resides in Toronto and, along with associate Gail Morris, has excellent contacts in the Mexican business community. Both are members of OWIT Toronto. Alma is also a founder of OWIT Monterrey, and will tap into the networks of our sister Monterrey chapter to ensure quality match-making for trade mission participants.

Agenda for the trade mission:

• Tuesday, Oct 21: Arrival and briefing session/evening reception
• Wednesday, Oct 22: Breakfast; match-making meetings in the morning and afternoon; OWIT International Conference welcoming reception in evening.

The trade mission will take place just prior to the 17th Annual OWIT International Conference that will be held in Monterrey from October 22-24, 2008. The theme of the conference, which is a further opportunity to network with high-level women involved in global trade, is Trade and the Triple Bottom Line: Societal, Economic and Environmental Sustainability ( www.owit.org ).

• Wednesday, Oct 22: Welcoming conference reception in evening
• Thursday, Oct 23: OWIT Conference
• Friday, Oct 24: OWIT Conference

Trade mission delegates will receive the special discounted member rate for the conference.

• $1,100 for trade mission and conference (Oct 21–24, 2008 )
     - Includes discounted conference fee.
• $750 for trade mission only (Oct 21 & 22)

(Participants responsible for own travel and accommodation expenses)

To Register: visit www.owit-toronto.ca/events/evt_2008322231.htm (The earlier you register, the better, to ensure maximum time to plan most effective business matching for you.Participation is accepted on a first come, first served basis. Note: No refunds after registration.)

Info: Gail Morris at 416.998.9622 or gmorris@tradepartners.ca