It was just the kind of relationship-building party Locke and business leaders wanted to see as they follow the Mexican customs of letting business slide until sides get to know each other. Locke aides said the governor quickly got into his element, tossing the speech they'd prepared and speaking impromptu about his excitement for the mission. About 100 business, farm and education leaders from Washington joined Locke's week-long mission, hoping to increase sales into Mexico as the country rebuilds its economy. That will be a challenge in the coming year. Traditionally, Mexican elections bring a period of economic instability, and President Ernesto Zedillo, whom Locke is scheduled to meet today, will be replaced next summer.
Mexican presidents serve one six-year term.
For the last 70 years, however, the Partido Revolucionario Institucional, PRI, has won every election - dominance that's beginning to crack and create the possibility for even more upheaval. Farm leaders are hoping for a smooth transition. Pat Boss, director of the Washington State Potato Commission, said the industry gained clear direction about how to please the Mexican government, a move that could lead to more Mid-Columbia french fries being shipped to Mexico. Because Mexico has its own fresh potato industry, the government wants to make sure store-purchased U.S. fries don't take away business from Mexican growers. Currently, Mexico tacks a 20 percent tariff on all U.S. processed potatoes above 3,900 tons, a level reached in March this year.