Such remittances are quickly becoming an important source of capital in Mexico and are key to that country's economic stability and future growth, according to a new University of Utah study on the complex economic and social relationship between Mexico and Utah.

Yet the flow of money and benefits doesn't go just one way, said Ken Jameson, a professor of economics who was part of the research team who drafted the study titled "Mexico and Utah: A Complex Economic Relationship."

On the other side of the economic equation, Mexico buys more than $120 million in Utah-made goods and services every year. And more than 100,000 Mexicans vacation in Utah every year with just the skiers among that throng spending more than $1 million.

"The economic and social ties between Mexico and Utah are complex and far-reaching, and they're only going to get stronger over the years," Jameson said.

The study, released Tuesday at a conference at the Hinckley Institute of Politics, was undertaken at the request of Salvador Jimenez Munoz, the Mexican consul to Utah. Zions Bank and the University of Utah provided the financial support for the project.

"We are trying to build strong relations with Utah by using objective and reliable information that describes the reality of the many contributions of Mexican immigrants to the society of Utah with their hard work, rich culture, traditions and family values," Jimenez Munoz said.

The study concentrated on a number of important economic and social "linkages" that are described as central to the Mexico-Utah relationship. They include trade relations between Utah and Mexico, financial relations, the tourism link, the access by undocumented residents to university education and the role of Mexican immigrants in the state.

Jameson noted the data show the growing importance of trade with Mexico and illustrate that Utah has developed a stronger relationship with that country than any surrounding non-border state. "Among neighboring states, only Colorado's trade with Mexico is larger and increasing at a faster rate," he said.

The financial sector study found that in 1997 there were 1,834 firms with sales of more than $227 million that were owned by Mexican nationals and immigrants. And while those numbers were from 1997, they have almost certainly increased since then, Jameson said.

The tourism sector study documented the two-way flow of visitors with Mexico, the most popular destination for U.S. travelers, and the U.S. 9 the second-most popular destination for visitors from Mexico. The tourism section also touched upon the importance of foreign-born laborers staffing the tourism industry in Utah, particularly the ski industry.

"This study provides valuable data that wasn't readily available before," said Miguel Rovira, regional director for Latin America and Canada at the Governor's Office of Economic Development. "And from an economic development standpoint it will help us develop a better understanding of the needs of that [Mexican] community" so the state can help foster entrepreneurship and new business growth.

About the study

"Mexico and Utah - A Complex Economic Relationship"

* In 1997, Mexican nationals and immigrants owned 1,834 businesses in Utah, accounting for $227 million in annual sales.

* Latino-owned businesses in Utah pay approximately $85 million in wages and employ 3,214 people.

* In Utah, 37 percent of Latino-owned businesses are in the service sector, 13 percent in retail and 11 percent in construction.