The Latino Coalition Praises Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) on Efforts to Strengthen Ties with Mexico

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Latino Coalition, one of the largest membership and advocacy organizations for Latino-owned small and mid-sized businesses, commends Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) on his efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Mexico and joins his upcoming trade mission initiative.

Christie will be visiting the Latin American country September 3 – 5 in his first international trip of his second term to promote increased trade, economic growth, job creation, energy and higher education.  The trip aims at advancing economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Mexico through meetings with President Enrique Pena Nieto, business leaders and other government officials.

"Mexico is an extraordinarily important trading partner, not only with the U.S. but in New Jersey. This trip will help to continue to strengthen these ties," said Governor Christie. "We look forward to working with The Latino Coalition to assist in fostering these relationships to expand the dialogue and economic opportunities between our two governments."

"There couldn't be a more important time than today for leaders, like Governor Christie, to understand how hugely significant the relationship of Mexico and the United States is," said Hector Barreto, TLC Chairman and Former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  "As a prominent government official, Christie recognizes the critical problems both nations face in regards to trade, security, economic growth, immigration, energy and education.  He recognizes that the U.S. needs to strengthen ties and bridge the gap between two nations with shared borders and history."

Understanding the importance of bridging this gap, The Latino Coalition has worked to build an extensive network of business owners, executives and government officials in Mexico.  As part of Governor Christie's trade mission initiative, TLC will host a reception on September 4^th at the Club de Industriales in Ciudad de Mexico.  Some of the key officials attending the event will include: U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Earl Anthony Wayne, President of the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara Antonio Leano Reyes and Secretary of Economic Development from the State of Nuevo Leon Dr. Rolando Zubiran Roberts.

"For years, The Latino Coalition has dedicated time and effort in growing solid bonds with Mexico.  We commend Governor Christie's leadership approach at fostering exchange, cooperation, communication and trust to solve the critical problems our countries face.  TLC stands with Christie in his trade mission efforts and encourages other leaders to work towards enhancing the future prosperity and economic well-being of both nations," Barreto added.

ABOUT THE LATINO COALITION- The Latino Coalition (TLC) was founded in 1995 by a group of Hispanic business owners from across the country to research and develop policies relevant to Latinos.  TLC is a non-profit nationwide organization with offices in California, Washington, DC and Guadalajara, Mexico.  Established to address policy issues that directly affect the well being of Hispanics in the United States, TLC's agenda is to develop initiatives and partnerships that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic and social development for Latinos.  Visit www.thelatinocoalition.com.

SOURCE The Latino Coalition