LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing the strong relationship between Latin
America and the State of New York, and observing their positive and
shared economic bond

WHEREAS, The State of New York is greatly enriched by its cultural
diversity and proudly shares a multitude of values, as well as spiritual
and familial ties, with the people of Latin America; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize the strong
relationship between Latin America and the State of New York, and to
observe their positive and shared economic bond; and
WHEREAS, On Tuesday, March 29, 2011, six Latin American Trade Commis-
sioners will visit the New York Assembly Chamber; this special visit is
to emphasize trade between the United States and Latin America; it is
also to encourage greater cooperation and business relationships which
assist in the economic development of our State, Nation, and throughout
the world; and
WHEREAS, The Latin American Trade Commissioners can develop opportu-
nities for New York State businesses and firms wishing to expand their
operations into their countries; they can also provide recommendations
on the business culture, opportunities for licensing technologies, prod-
uct sectors in demand, and how to identify potential trade partners; and
WHEREAS, The total volume of exports from New York State in 2010 to
these six nations totaled $2.94 billion and represented an increase of
23.5% from 2009 and total New York trade between these countries is as
follows: Chile: $207 million; Colombia: $168 million; Costa Rica: $77
million; Ecuador: $132 million; Mexico: $2.21 billion; and Peru: $149
million; and
WHEREAS, The total volume of exports from the United States in 2010
and the percentage increase in exports from 2009 through 2010 to these
countries is as follows: Chile: $10.9 billion, +16%; Colombia: $12.1
billion, +27%; Costa Rica: $5.2 billion, +10%; Ecuador: $5.4 billion,
+38%; Mexico: $163.3 billion, +27%; and Peru: $6.7 billion, +37%; and
WHEREAS, Based in New York City and responsible for the promotion of
trade between their respective countries and the United States, the six
Trade Commissioners are: Ms. Sara Bojanini, Investment Director of
Colombia; Mr. Maykool Lopez, Director-Trade Commissioner, Foreign Trade
Corporation of Costa Rica; Mr. Alejandro Cerda, Trade Commissioner of
Chile; Ms. Karina Amaluisa, Trade Commissioner of Ecuador; Mr. Gerardo
Patino, Director-Trade Commissioner of Mexico; and Mr. Ruben Rondinelli,
Commercial and Economic Attache of Peru; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to keep in mind the
improvement of international relations, and the underlying traditions of
friendship based on the commitment to common values, mutual interests
and principles of openness, trust, transparency, and mutual respect, as
well as taking into account the rich historical heritage and multicul-
tural nature of the State of New York along with these great Nations;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize the strong relationship between Latin America and the State of
New York, and to observe their positive and shared economic bond; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned Latin American Trade Commissioners.