Commonwealth of Kentucky
Cabinet for Economic Development

KENTUCKY COMPANIES INVITED TO EXHIBIT AT EXPO MANUFACTURA 2006 IN MONTERREY, MEXICO

Frankfort, Ky. --The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development's International Trade Division, in conjunction with its Kentucky Agricultural and Commercial Trade Office (KATCO) in Guadalajara, Mexico is inviting Kentucky companies to exhibit in the KATCO booth during EXPO MANUFACTURA 2006 in Monterrey, Mexico March 7-9, 2006.

"Mexico is an important region to the Kentucky economy and an expanding global market," said Governor Ernie Fletcher. "In 2004 Kentucky exported $786 million of goods and services to Mexico, a nearly 52 percent increase from 2003. This increase clearly signifies the many exporting opportunities available to Kentucky companies. To build on Kentucky’s success in global markets, it is essential that we continue to market our products on an international level."

EXPO MANUFACTURA is recognized as the leader among Mexico's metalworking and manufacturing events, bringing together more than 5,000 top-level industry professionals. With renewed growth in the manufacturing sector, the 2006 exhibition will be the meeting place where buyers and builders come together to exchange ideas, conduct business transactions and talk about key industry topics.

Recognizing that today's manufacturing production is a streamlined process, EXPO MANUFACTURA incorporates the entire supply chain of manufacturing, including: Machine Tools; Automation and Controls; Assembly Equipment; Electronic Manufacturing; Robotics; Welding; Lasers; Fabricating and Forming; Quality Manufacturing; and CAD/CAM and Software.

Companies will have the opportunity to participate in this international event at a reduced cost by choosing from a selection of affordable packages. Assistance from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development's International Trade Division will also be included.

In order to ensure quality and effective interaction between Kentucky companies and other companies in the manufacturing sector, the Kentucky Agricultural and Commercial Trade Office, in conjunction with the U.S. Commercial Service in Monterrey will be conducting firm-to-firm matchmaking for participants.

"The Kentucky Agricultural and Commercial Trade Office, established in 1996 in Guadalajara, will be able to provide assistance in arranging meetings with foreign buyers tailored to fit their specific objectives," said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Gene Strong. "Additionally, our staff will be available once the trade show is over to follow-up on specific issues and provide guidance on needed issues."

To learn more about this unique opportunity and find out how your company can expand its international presence, please contact the Cabinet's International Trade Division at 502-564-7140 or email Stephanie.Wheeler@ky.gov. Interested companies can also find more information about the event by visiting .http://www.expomanufactura.com.mx or .http://www.kentucky.org.mx. Event registration must be completed by January 13, 2006.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state. New business investment in Kentucky in 2004 totaled nearly $2.3 billion with the creation of just over 16,600 new jobs. Information on available development sites, workforce training, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other resources is available at http://www.thinkkentucky.com/.