Mexico Relations
He
couldn't gain any votes at this "whistle stop," but he could gain insight
into the issues affecting this side of the border.
One of the most influential politicians representing the neighboring international state, the Honorable Gustavo Cardenas, federal senator and gubernatorial candidate for Tamaulipas, Mexico, met with the Rio Grande Valley Partnership board of directors during their monthly meeting July 22.
A member of the Partido Accion Nacional (PAN), the same party as Mexico's president Vicente Fox, Cardenas announced that if he wins the November 14 election, his top priorities include expanding economic and tourism development and improving public security.
"We want to support the foreigners that wish to see Mexico," said Cardenas, who currently sits on Mexico's tourism commission. "Tourism is the development of our country . . . Tamaulipas is a significant state."
Bill Summers, president/CEO of the Partnership, added that just as Cardenas hopes to encourage American tourism to Mexico, the Valley recognizes the spending power of Mexican tourists in the United States.
Cardenas and the board of directors then discussed issues relevant to mutual tourism and trade, such as the US-Visit program and infrastructure construction.
Ending the meeting, Cardenas said, "Our countries are like brothers."
Accomplishments in Mexico Relations:
| 1948 |
Compiled more accurate weather forecasting for Valley through U.S. and Mexico cooperation |
|
1949 |
Aided in the prevention of closing the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros |
|
1951 |
Sponsored conference that created a muliple-crossing visa for Mexican citizens Campaigned to improve the Mexico highways between Matamoros and Victoria as well as Reynosa and Monterrey |
|
1967 |
Secured first international flight from Valley (TTA flies into Mexico) |
|
1986 |
Created Commercial Zone covering four Valley counties so that Mexican trucks can travel freely, facilitating Maquila work which had been limited to only 20 of 80 packing sheds |
|
1990 |
Opened annex office in Monterrey |
|
1993 |
Anticipating NAFTA, opened the first office established by any U.S. chamber or economic development agency in the state of Tamaulipas, named "Camara de Comercio del Valle de Texas" in Ciudad Victoria |
|
1995 |
Saved the U.S. Consulate at Matamoros from closure by going to D.C. "with one voice," then inviting Ambassador Wolf to visit the Valley |
|
2003 |
Hosted first annual reception with U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza at his official residence in Mexico City so that members and associates may establish relationships with Mexico business leaders and public officials; continues to present |
|
2005 |
Hosted three receptions, one in Austin, one in Brownsville, one in Ciudad Victoria, so that Tamaulipas Diputados and Texas Legislators may be more familiar with their neighbors |