LOUISIANA CONNECTION

HISTORY In February 2015, Louisiana State ’s Louisiana Business & Technology Center hosted a cohort of entrepreneurs from Mexico’s food and agriculture industries. The program, called La Idea, focused on training and mentoring on U.S. business practices and rules.

In October 2014, Mexican oil and gas executives met with Louisiana energy companies as part of an event organized by Le Centre International de Lafayette, in partnership with the Association of Southeastern Mexico Oil Companies. The event focused on increasing awareness about new opportunities in Mexico’s oil industry.

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EXPORTS Mexico also stands as Numerous higher education institutions in Louisiana offer academic Louisiana’s second-largest programs in Mexico. Louisiana State University (LSU) has exchange export destination, with over programs with Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente $5.68 billion in exports in (ITESO) in Guadalajara, Universidad de , Universidad La Salle 2016.Top Louisiana exports to in Mexico City, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla and Mexico include petroleum and Universidad Regiomontana in Monterrey. Tulane University’s Goldring coal products ($3.2 billion); Institute of International Business offers programs and partnerships with agricultural products ($1.1 numerous schools in Latin America, including Mexico’s Instituto Tecnológico billion); and chemical products Autónomo de México (ITAM) and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios ($674.4 million). Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM).

IMPORTS TRAVEL Louisiana also imports heavily There are direct flights from New Orleans to Cancun, and many other one- from Mexico over $1.1 billion stop flights from the New Orleans and Baton Rouge airports to destinations worth of goods in 2016. Top such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. New imports from Mexico include oil Orleans also serves as a port of departure for cruises to Cozumel, Costa and gas ($616.5 million); metal Maya and Progreso. manufacturers ($104.9 million); minerals and ores ($73.1 ¿QUÉ PASA? FESTIVAL million); and machinery and www.quepasafest.com/ mechanical appliances ($50.1 ¿Qué Pasa? Fest is a four-day festival held in Kenner to celebrate Hispanic million). music, food and art during Hispanic Heritage Month.

OPPORTUNITYLOUISIANA.COM LOUISIANA CONNECTION MEXICO

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION Mexico is a major investor in Louisiana, with two projects since 2003 GLORIA GARCIA accounting for over $200 million in capital expenditure and over Chief Representative, Mexico 450 direct jobs. [email protected]@la.gov T +52.55.2489.0108 In December 2013, Gulf Coast Spinning (a subsidiary of Zagis) announced a $130 million capital investment to build a cotton RAMON GONZALES JAMESON spinning facility in Louisiana. The project will create 307 new direct Consul of Mexico jobs and result in an estimated 722 new indirect jobs. [email protected] T 504.272.2198 In December 2009, Zagis USA completed construction on the first of two textile mills to produce cotton yarn. The mills represent a significant investment in cotton processing in Southwest Louisiana, accounting for $75 million in capital investment and 160 jobs.

Louisiana companies have also established a presence in Mexico. Louisiana companies’ five direct investments in Mexico since 2003 have resulted in capital expenditures totaling $160 million and the creation of 400 jobs.

BUSINESSES & SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF LOUISIANA www.hccl.biz The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana was founded to support the growth and development of Hispanic- owned businesses in Louisiana.

PUENTES NEW ORLEANS puentesno.org The mission of Puentes New Orleans is to foster development of the Latino community in New Orleans through civic engagement, leadership, economic growth and advocacy.

THE HISPANIC BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AT SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/lai/programs_activities/busines_leadership/index.html The Hispanic Business and Leadership Institute supports the socio-economic development of the Hispanic community and enhances the competitiveness of Hispanic businesses in the southeastern United States through professional development and programs for Hispanic youth.

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CASE STUDY In December 2013, Gulf Coast Spinning announced the company will make a $130 million capital investment to build a cotton spinning facility in Louisiana. The project will create 307 new direct jobs and result in an estimated 722 new indirect jobs. Gulf Coast Spinning is a new venture and follows the 2009 opening of a related Zagis USA spinning facility employing 79 People in Jefferson Davis Parish. Including the new facility to be built on 43.5 acres at the Bunkie Industrial Park, the two mills will represent a combined capital investment of approximately $150 million. Gulf Coast Spinning expects to ship the majority of its cotton yarn overseas in similar fashion to the Zagis USA mill in Lacassine, where 85 percent of the spun yarn is exported.

“The continued investment in Louisiana represents our belief that this state has the critical infrastructure, energy, and workforce advantages that will allow us to grow and prosper in the future.”

Dan Feibus CEO (2008-2015), Gulf Coast Spinning Co. LLC

MEXICAN COMPANIES IN LOUISIANA • Grupo Mexico • Hildebrando • Villacero • Grupo Zaga • Rotoplas • Zagis • Gulf Coast Spinning • Sydsa Senales y Dispositivos • Zagis US

LOUISIANA COMPANIES WITH FACILITIES IN MEXICO • C & C Technologies • Chet Morrison Contractors • Global Industries • Harvey Gulf International Marine • Morrison Energy Group • Shaw Group

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