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Cargill hosts trade discussion

Mexican Ambassador, Eduardo Medina-Mora, highlights panel on trade and the Trans-Pacific Partnership with Minnesota business leaders

MINNEAPOLIS May 14, 2014 With trade talks intensifying among Pacific and Latin American economies, Minnesota business leaders engaged in a panel discussion about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with Mexicos Ambassador to the U.S., Eduardo Medina-Mora, today at Cargills Minneapolis headquarters.

Medina-Mora was part of the panel with Donaldson Company CEO Bill Cook and Cargill Vice Chairman Paul Conway before an audience of Cargill employees, local officials and business representatives.

TPP is comprised of 12 nations making up 40 percent of the global economy.If passed, it would be the largest free trade agreement in the world.Ambassador Medina-Mora shared his views on the importance of TPP and free trade, highlighting how multi-lateral agreements play a pivotal role in stimulating economic growth among economies.

If we are to take North American economic integration and competitiveness to the next level, we need to have much stronger and proactive engagement between the public and private sector, and to truly think and act regionally, Medina-Mora said.

Particularly for the U.S. and Mexico, the TPP is seen as a chance to bolster economic opportunity and to improve upon the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It is expected to lead growth in the agricultural sector and with it, employment. The TPP could also simplify trade in the region, unravelling the complexities of each countrys standards and regulations, while setting in place a higher standard of trade and investment provisions and protocols.

Cargill has long been an advocate for liberalized and open trade, which aligns well with the goals of the Mexican government, said Paul Conway, Cargill Vice Chairman. We agree that the Trans-Pacific Partnership is a key trade deal that will serve as an important vehicle to address the regions key food security challenges, unlock the true economic potential of the Asia-Pacific region, and set the twelve negotiating economies on a clear path towards greater economic growth and job creation.

Cargills trade ties to Mexico date back more than 40 years. The company has a significant presence in Mexico City, and is invested in many businesses in the country, including animal nutrition, food texturizing solutions, corn milling, sugar, and grains and oilseeds.

About Cargill

Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. Together with farmers, customers, governments and communities, we help people thrive by applying our insights and nearly 150 years of experience. We have 143,000 employees in 67 countries who are committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and work. For more information, visitCargill.comand ourNews Center.

About Cargill in Mexico

Cargill formally began operations in Mexico in 1972. Core activities in Mexico include the marketing, import and export of oils, edible grease, grains, sugar, balanced meals, and financial tools aimed at providing solutions in the agro-food activities. Cargill de Mxico, S.A. De C.V. is based in Mexico City and markets seed, feed grains, fertilizer, vegetable oils and corn syrup.

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