82R20613 CBE-F By: Marquez H.R. No. 1260 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Hector Agustin Murguia Lardizabal, mayor of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, in Mexico is visiting the State Capitol on April 11, 2011; and WHEREAS, A chemical engineer by trade, Hector Murguia graduated from the Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey; he has been involved in public service since the early 1990s, when he accepted the post as president of the Juarez Municipal Financing Commission; he subsequently served as political advisor to the State of Chihuahua and as a federal representative and senator before holding office as mayor of his hometown of Ciudad Juarez from 2004 to 2007; he was reelected to that position in 2011; and WHEREAS, Mayor Murguia has achieved prominence as a fervent advocate for international trade between Ciudad Juarez and the State of Texas, distinguishing himself through his efforts to increase commerce, strengthen small and mid-size industrial development, and improve border relations; trade between Ciudad Juarez and the State of Texas represents 15 percent of the trade relationship between Mexico and the United States and totals more than $48 billion annually; and WHEREAS, Ciudad Juarez and the neighboring city of El Paso have evolved together as a dynamic economic and cultural crossroads and today make up the world's largest international metropolitan area with over two million residents; the cities share four international ports of entry that play a key part in the transportation system that links the Southern and Western hemispheres; moreover, over 70 Fortune 500 companies operate maquiladora plants in the area, employing some 177,600 Ciudad Juarez workers in telecommunications and the manufacturing of medical supplies, consumer appliances, electronics, and automotive parts; and WHEREAS, Hector Agustin Murguia Lardizabal has won the admiration of Ciudad Juarez and El Paso residents alike, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize him for his wide-ranging contributions to the region; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby welcome Ciudad Juarez Mayor Hector Murguia to the State Capitol and extend to him sincere best wishes for a productive and enjoyable visit to Austin; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mayor Murguia as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.