He and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. talked about trade among small and growing companies in Mexico and Utah. Zepeda, who has met with governors from Italy, Spain and China during his two years in office, said he is very interested in working with Huntsman because he thinks the two governments can benefit from each other and help businesses in both places.

"These meetings are the only way to promote economic development," Zepeda said after the hourlong meeting in his office. "If governors don't travel or don't construct the necessary links, obviously the economic development opportunities are not the same."

Several of the Mexican government and business leaders who met with Huntsman Tuesday said the governor's visit here shows he is serious about strengthening Utah-Mexico ties.

Huntsman is scheduled to wrap up his two-day visit today by meeting with Mexican President Vicente Fox.

It has been an event-filled trip.

On Tuesday, Huntsman darted from meeting to meeting with an entourage of about 10 people, including the senior adviser for economic development, general counsel and the state's Mexican trade representative.

After the meetings, Huntsman said he was excited and encouraged by people's "high level" of interest in Utah for trade, research and educational exchanges.

"Maybe we can take advantage of that opening," he said. "People will take us seriously as we move forward."

While results from the meetings may take some time, Huntsman vowed to follow up with the contacts he made here and make sure the plans are carried through. He hopes to schedule at least two trade-mission trips to Mexico in the next year to maintain the ties made this week.

Zepeda said Mexico is no longer focusing on cheap labor to make products because it can not compete with cheaper labor in China and India. Instead, he added, state and federal governments are putting aside money for loans to help people starting small businesses.

Zepeda said he is interested in learning more about Utah's biotechnology industry and in exploring the possibilities of working together on research. He also is interested in matching Mexican companies that assemble cars with firms in Utah that make auto parts. Huntsman and Zepeda agreed to exchange company databases to start connecting people.

"We'll work hard on the same level to push these links between Utah and Mexican companies," Zepeda said.

During his meeting with Mexican tourist leaders, Huntsman stressed his commitment to making Utah a "year-round destination" instead of just a winter hangout for tourists who love to ski.

"We have failed to market yearlong tourism," Huntsman said later.

The governor wants to boost state tax revenues for education by bringing in more tourists in the warmer months for golf, hiking, biking and water sports.

Cecilia Verdugo de Galvan, general director of Viajes Olin, runs a travel business in Mexico and already books tours for ski resorts in Utah. She said more and more clients are interested in vacationing in Utah. Galvan said Mexicans might head to Utah for skiing and golf, but added selling them on hiking and water sports would be difficult because there are much cheaper options nearby in Central America.

"We really need to start with a nice package in order to convince people to spend money on rafting" [in Utah], she said.

During an afternoon luncheon, Huntsman chatted with 15 members of the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico.

He also gave a presentation about his plans to develop stronger business and educational connections with Mexico.

Juan Manuel Carreon, general director of Union Pacific de Mexico, said he is impressed with Huntsman's experience with foreign trade and his desire to work with Mexico. Still, he said he would remind Utah leaders that trade just isn't about selling state products but also about buying from Mexico.

"You just can't look at trade one way," he said. "It's a two-way thing."

Huntsman's schedule

TODAY

* Meeting with Valentin Diez Morodo, chairman of a council for the export-import industry.

* Meeting with Mexican President Vicente Fox.

* Tour downtown Mexico City.

* Lunch with Geronimo Gutierrez Fernandez, Mexican deputy foreign minister.

* Meeting with Luis Ramirez Corzo, general director of Petr leos Mexicanos (PEMEX).

THURSDAY

* Return to Salt Lake City.