Colorado Desk - Colorado: Gov. Polis Meets with Ambassador of Mexico to Continue Strengthening Partnership

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DENVER – Today, Gov. Jared Polis hosted a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, at the Governor's Mansion. Gov. Polis and Ambassador Moctezuma discussed the economic ties and cultural connections between Colorado and Mexico as the United States and Mexico are celebrating 200 years of official diplomatic relations.

"Colorado has a strong economic and cultural partnership with Mexico that we continue building on to drive innovation, support jobs and businesses, and create more prosperity for both of us. Today's meeting helps to deepen this important connection and advance our shared goals," said Governor Jared Polis.

(Governor Jared Polis and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán)

Today's meeting explored new ways to bring the two regions closer together and continued collaboration between the two leaders. The Governor met with Ambassador Moctezuma at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Governor's Reception in Washington D.C. last February. At the event, he remarked on the strong ties between Colorado and Mexico, and how Colorado's exports to Mexico grew by over 80% in the past decade. In 2022, Gov. Polis addressed the Biennial of the Americas summit in Mexico City, Mexico to highlight and strengthen Colorado's trade partnership with Mexico. It is a partnership that contributes to good-paying Colorado jobs and supports Colorado's agriculture, meat, aluminum, iron, steel, and industrial machinery industries.

Today, Gov. Polis and Ambassador Moctezuma discussed opportunities in semiconductors, automotive manufacturing, IT and aerospace, as well as the potential to arrange delegations from Colorado's and Mexico's business communities to discuss investment opportunities. The leaders also considered workforce development and educational exchange opportunities.

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"The relationship between Mexico and Colorado showcases the incredible opportunities that arise when our two nations collaborate, despite the complexities of such a vast partnership. Over 96,000 jobs in Colorado are directly linked to trade with Mexico, and Mexicans and Mexican-American citizens in Colorado enrich its gastronomy, culture and society. I am confident that the strong cooperation between the Mexican Embassy, the Consulate General in Denver, and Colorado's local and state authorities will continue driving prosperity for the North American region." said Ambassador Moctezuma.

Colorado understands the importance of a strong relationship with Mexico. The Mexican government maintains a consulate general in Denver, which has jurisdiction over Colorado. The state serves as a substantive U.S. trading partner. Last year, Colorado exported over $1.6 billion in goods to Mexico and imported $1.2 billion from Mexico in 2023. This makes Mexico the state's second largest export partner, accounting for 16% of Colorado's export trade, and the third largest import partner, accounting for 6.8% of Colorado's import trade. In 2023, over 220,000 visitors came to Colorado from Mexico, spending almost $117 million while in the state.

OEDIT's Global Business Development Division regularly hosts foreign delegations visiting Colorado and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of the state. In 2023, GBD supported over 30 foreign government delegations visiting Colorado, including elected and appointed officials, ambassadors, trade commissioners, and consul generals. This includes diplomatic meetings with Governor Polis, site visits to promote Colorado's key industries, and meetings with local business communities across the state.

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About OEDIT's Global Business Development Division

Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state's national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development.

About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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