Wichita seeks closer business ties to Mexico

Seeking to expand business ties between Wichita and Mexico, the City Council on Tuesday approved hiring a consulting company to help market the city south of the border.

The council approved a one-year, $72,000 contract with the Molera & Alvarez consulting firm, which officials say has a track record of improving trade relations between U.S. cities and trading partners in Mexico.

Mayor Jeff Longwell noted that foreign trade has gotten a lot of criticism lately in national politics but said the contract is designed to help Wichita sell more products to Mexico and create jobs here.

“There’s so much discussion out there and talk about trade with foreign countries and shipping jobs to foreign countries … this is not the case,” Longwell said. “This is an opportunity for our companies to be successful.”

A report from the city manager’s office recommending the contract said local businesses could use the help.

Wichita “businesses face language, regulatory and logistical obstacles in trying to navigate the global market,” the report said. “Many of these companies have great products and/or services but lack the knowledge, skills, and connections to effectively achieve positive results.”

With about $2.7 billion in annual trade between Mexico and Kansas, that country alternates with Canada as the state’s No. 2 or 3 trading partner, with China No. 1, said Scott Rigby, assistant city manager.

Wichita learned about Molera & Alvarez from discussions with the city of Phoenix.

“The City of Phoenix, as well as numerous local governments, corporations, businesses, universities and State of Arizona have utilized the firm to assist in improving political and trade relations with Mexico,” the report said.

The city’s contract with Molera & Alvarez requires the company to:

▪ Work with Kansas Global to identify Wichita business clusters that could benefit from closer ties with Mexico.

▪ Conduct market analysis and outreach in central and northern Mexico.

▪ Plan and execute a trade mission to Mexico.

▪ Facilitate relationships with key Mexican officials and markets.

This story was originally published July 12, 2016 at 3:00 PM with the headline "Wichita seeks closer business ties to Mexico."