LOUISIANA Custom-Fit Opportunity - LOUISIANA LINKS

HISTORY AND RECENT NEWS

In February 2015, Louisiana State University’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. CONTACT INFORMATION FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT Gloria Garcia Chief Representative, Mexico Mexico is a major investor in Louisiana, with two projects since 2003 accounting for over $200 Av. Homero 109 D - 904 million in capital expenditure and over 460 direct jobs. Col. Polanco, C.P. 11560 [email protected] In December 2013, Gulf Coast Spinning (a subsidiary of Zagis) announced a $130 million capital T +52.55.2489.0108 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. Ramon Gonzales Jameson Consul of Mexico In December 2009, Zagis USA completed construction on the first of two textile mills to produce T 504.272.2198 cotton yarn. The mills represent a significant investment in cotton processing in Southwest [email protected] 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.

TRADE

Mexico is Louisiana’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for over $10.6 billion in commerce in 2014 alone.

Exports Mexico also stands as Louisiana’s second-largest export destination, with over $7.32 billion in exports in 2014.

Top Louisiana exports to Mexico include mineral fuels ($3.3 billion); cereals ($1.1 billion); nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances ($795.2 million); plastics ($552.6 million); and fruits and grains ($368.1 million). Louisiana is No. 1 in the U.S. in exports to Mexico of Cereals, No. 2 in mineral fuels, No. 2 in fruits and grains, and No. 4 in plastics.

Louisiana exports to Mexico have increased by 163 percent since 2010.

9.10.15 Imports Louisiana also imports heavily from Mexico: Mexico is Louisiana’s fifth-largest import market, accounting for $3.29 billion in 2014. Top imports from Mexico include mineral fuels ($2.7 billion); iron and steel ($85.4 million); special classification provisions ($65.5 million); and inorganic chemicals ($55.1 million). Louisiana is No. 2 in the U.S. in imports from Mexico of mineral fuels, No. 5 in organic chemicals, and No. 5 in iron and steel.

BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana http://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 http://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 http://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.

QUALITY OF LIFE, ARTS AND CULTURE

Education Numerous higher education institutions in Louisiana offer academic programs in Mexico. Louisiana State University (LSU) has exchange programs with Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO) in , Universidad de , Universidad La Salle in , Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla and Universidad Regiomontana in Monterrey. Tulane University’s Goldring Institute of International Business offers programs and partnerships with numerous schools in , including Mexico’s Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM).

Travel There are direct flights from New Orleans to Cancun, and many other one-stop flights from the New Orleans and Baton Rouge airports to destinations such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. New Orleans also serves as a port of departure for cruises to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Progreso.

Festivals ¿Qué Pasa? Fest http://www.quepasafest.com/ ¿Qué Pasa? Fest is a four-day festival held in Kenner to celebrate Hispanic music, food and art during Hispanic Heritage Month.

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

• Alfa • América Móvil • • • • Grupo Lala • Grupo Zaga • Industrias EG • Mexichem

LOUISIANA COMPANIES WITH FACILITIES IN MEXICO

• HB Rentals • Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. • Pan-American Life Insurance Group • Tidewater Inc.