Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 31, 1994 TAG: 9405310048
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
In mid-July, the Allens will embark on their first trade mission, a nine-day swing through Canada and Mexico to promote the state as a tourist destination and trading partner.
With the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which removes major commercial barriers among Canada, Mexico and the United States, Allen says it is time for Virginia businesses to expand their markets.
"Virginia is poised to take advantage of NAFTA," he said. "While many states have already made inroads into Canada and Mexico, Virginia must act aggressively to secure its market share today and for the future if we are to remain internationally competitive."
The Allens start the trip July 19 with a three-day meeting with Canadian officials in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa.
On the way to Mexico, the Virginians will spend the night of July 22 in New Orleans, where Allen will promote Virginia ports.
Mexico City will be their base of operations in Mexico, but the governor also plans a one-day visit to the major port of Veracruz and the industrial center of Monterrey.
Susan Allen said her job is to make the people of Canada and New Mexico aware of Virginia's beauty and attractions.
"We want to emphasize the attractiveness of our Virginia coast, beach, historic sites, golf courses and hospitality to our Canadian friends," she said. Eastern Canadians account for 38 percent of tourist visits to Virginia, she said.
South of the border, she will attempt to increase general Mexican tourism to the commonwealth, she said.
The Allens will be joined on the trip by three members of the Cabinet and up to 30 Virginia business people.
Canada is Virginia's second-largest trading partner. In 1993, Virginia shipped slightly more than $1 billion in goods north of the border. Transportation equipment ($163 million), electronic and electrical equipment ($154 million), industrial machinery and equipment ($114 million) and chemicals ($114 million) were the top exports, according to state commerce officials.
By contrast, Virginia's trade with Mexico was modest. Last year it exported $176 million worth of goods, led by electronics, industrial machinery, chemicals and manufactured food products.
The taxpayers will pay for the expenses of the governor and Susan Allen, and for Secretary of Commerce and Trade Robert Skunda, Secretary of Transportation Robert Martinez and Secretary of Education Beverly Sgro.
Memo: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.