Trade

• Author: International Law Group

Effective March 15, 2001, the Mexican Government published the rules of operation for its Distribution Center Program in the United States, called "Agreement that announces the rules of operation and evaluation and management factors for the program of distribution centers in the United States."

The purpose of this Mexican program is the promotion of exports to the U.S. Approximately 90% of all Mexican companies are small and medium size companies, and their share in the export market is less than 2%. The large number of Mexicans living and working in the U.S., as well as the favorable trading environment provided by NAFTA, offer an opportunity for Mexico to expand its exports to the U.S.

Therefore, the Mexican Government, along with the Ministry of Economy and the Representative Office for Mexicans Abroad and Mexican-Americans, has developed a this new strategy. The main purpose is to channel the resources of small and medium enterprises to promote and distribute their products in the U.S. (Article 2). In particular, the Program will provide infrastructure such as training, warehouse space, and advice about potential markets covered by a Distribution Center. (Article 4). To take part, companies must meet certain criteria. For example they must have not more than 100 employees if they...