Morelia group visits Yakima to forge closer ties

In past years, a Mexican delegation visited Yakima to learn about music and the arts. This year, they came to learn about business.

"This is a very important visit for us," said Carlos Gálvez, president of Morelia's Chamber of Commerce. "We must take advantage of our borders and our friendship."

Yakima and Morelia are sister cities, a bond formed eight years ago. Morelia is the capital city of the state of Michoacán and has a population of more than 600,000.

Members of the eight-member team that includes city officials and business leaders began arriving last Monday. While some members are leaving Monday, others are staying through the conclusion of the Central Washington State Fair on Oct. 5.

The purpose of the sister city relationship is to bring people together to advance Yakima and Morelia's economy and business prospects. It also enables Yakima to learn more about its Hispanic population and for Morelia to support hundreds of its residents living in the Yakima Valley, Gálvez said.

At the fair, the delegates have a booth showcasing tourism information and a video of Morelia. Arts and crafts will also be displayed, including copper items and wooden carvings.

During their visit, the Morelia delegates will tour businesses geared toward packaging, agriculture and technology, said Juven García, president of the association. The visitors will also give local hospital representatives ideas on how to better serve the county's Hispanic population.

Already, Gálvez can list several business ventures that would benefit both cities. He'd like to market and promote Yakima Valley wines in his community, and sell Mexican arts and crafts here.

He'd also like to establish joint ventures in printing and graphic arts, a prospect made possible through the Internet.

"We are here, talking face to face, with the people that want to do business between the state of Michoacán and the state of Washington," he said. "We can find opportunities to do business."

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.