United Nations International Conference
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1.1 Brief History
The city of Monterrey was founded in 1596 in the northeastern region of Mexico. Monterrey is recognized throughout Mexico for its industrial, commercial and educational strength. Due to the city's natural surroundings Monterrey has developed its touristic attractions, which have transformed the city into a popular center for important events.
1.2 Physical Geography
The State of Nuevo León borders with the States of San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Coahuila and Zacatecas in Mexico, and Texas in the U.S.A. Monterrey is located only two hours from the Texas border by land and Mexico City is just a short 75 minutes flight away. The State of Nuevo León has excellent highway system and railroad connections to four borders crossing in Texas and to all mayor cities and seaports throughout Mexico.
Located on the 100th Meridian, that is a central location within the American Continent. Total area of 24,963 square miles Population of 3.9 million.
1.3 Weather
Average temperatures by season:
Spring: 30 °C Summer: 36 °C Fall: 20 °C Winter: 20 °C
1.4 Time Zone
Local time for Monterrey is GMT-6 (U.S. Central Time Zone)
1.5 Transportation
An international airport (Mariano Escobedo) is located just 30 minutes from downtown Monterrey.
Special taxi service and car rental agents are available.
International Airports:
Mariano Escobedo (Commercial) Daily Flight Arrival
Domestic Flights 199
International Flights 57
Total 256
Del Norte (Private) Daily Flight Arrival
Domestic Flights 73
International Flights 22
Total 95Total Commercial + Private: 351 flights per day.
Airlines with direct flights to Monterrey
Aeromexico
Mexicana
Aerolitoral
Aerolineas Internacionales
Aviacsa
Aeromar
Aerocalifornia
Aerocaribe
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta Airlines
Northwest Airlines
1.6 Monterrey's Highlights
Nuevo Leon is rated as one of the top states in standard of living due to its: security, cultural enviroment, medical and health care facilities, entertainment alternatives, wealth and income per-capita, educational institutions and geographical location.
Natural attractions less than an hour from the downtown area: Cola de Caballo (Horse Tail Water Falls), Grutas de García and Huasteca Canyon.
More than 13 museums.
International art galleries.
Cultural attractions concentrated in the downtown area.
Cafes, restaurants, and active night life in the Barrio Antiguo area.
450 restaurants of regional, Mexican and international cuisine.
Commercial zones located throughout the city.
Three Theme Parks: Parque Plaza Sesamo, Bioparque Estrella and Bosque Mágico.
Concerts and Festivals through the year such as: Barrio Antiguo Cultural Festival, Nuevo Leon Theatre Festival, International Youth Soccer Tournament Copa Monterrey and the CART Series: Monterrey Grand Prix.
1.7 Industrial Highlights.
First factory in Nuevo León was established in 1850.
Nuevo Leon's business base consists of:
13,251 manufacturing companies
55,302 retail establishments
51,028 services firms
1,755 companies belonging to other sectors.
Monterrey is hometown of some of the biggest conglomerates in Mexico such as
CEMEX
CYDSA
FEMSA
IMSA
GRUMA
PROEZA
PROTEXA
PULSAR
RAMIREZ
VILLACERO
VITRO
ALFA
LAMOSA
Many international corporations also at Monterrey are:
ABB
MITSUBISHI
ALCOA-FUJIKURA
NAVISTAR
BASF
NORTEL
CATERPILLAR
PACKARD ELECTRIC
DANFOSS COMPRESSORS
PARKER ZENITH
DELPHI
PHELPS DODGE
DENSO
PIONEER
GE
RHONE POULENC
GRAINGER
SCI
JOHN DEERE
TOYOTA
KELLOGG'S
UNION CARBIDE
MERCEDES BENZ- FREIGHTLINER
YAZAKI
CELESTICA
INVENSYS
ELCOTEQ
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
OSRAM
LG
VISTEON
SANYO
PANASONIC
SOLECTRON
2.1 Economic Information
The State of Nuevo León generates:
- 8.6% of Mexico's GDP
- 9.4% of manufactured products in Mexico.
Domestic production share of enterprises in Nuevo Leon. Percentage of total production:
- 75% of glass
- 75% of corn flour
- 70% of household appliances
- 60% of synthetic fibers
- 60% of cement
- 50% of beer
- 50% of ceramic products
- 25% of steel
In 1999 Fortune Magazine rated Monterrey Mexico as the best city in Latin America for conducting business. (December special issue.)
In the year 2000, Nuevo Leon attracted 18.4% of foreign direct investment in Mexico. Mainly from the U.S. (70% of total investment), Holland accounted for 11%, Japan for 7% and Canada for 4% respectively.
2.2 Business Culture
Nuevo Leon is the industrial leader in Mexico with outstanding positions in sectors such as Beverage, Packaging, Cement, Glass, Steel, Auto Parts and Financial Service Industries. In the year 2000, the total revenues of Industrial Groups in Nuevo León were more than 31.3 Billion USD.
Venue of the Conference
Currency
The monetary unit is the Peso. Bill denominations are from $20 to $500 pesos. Rate of exchange is:
1 US$ =$9.60 pesos
We recommend you to bring only United States Dollars. Banks and dollar exchange services are available throughout the city. Travelers checks and credit cards are also accepted. Payments are made only in pesos.
Local Transportation
Car & Van rentals and chauffeur services are available in Monterrey.
Electrical Power
Electricity in Monterrey is 110v-60Hz. There are various kinds of plugs and sockets in use. Travelers with computers, electric shavers, tape recorders, and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit.