Doña Ana County now has the status as a foreign trade zone. The County has been designated as Foreign-Trade Zone No. 197. The status provides an opportunity for the county to attract new manufacturing jobs to any part of the county.
In a press release, Doña Ana County Manager Chuck B. McMahon said, “The benefit of the designation is that it allows new companies that locate within Doña Ana County to secure Foreign-Trade Zone Status for warehousing and distribution operations within approximately 30 days from the time an application is accepted for filing.”
McMahon informed County Commissioners at a commission meeting earlier this month. He added that manufacturing operations will benefit from streamlined procedures to secure approval in a much faster time frame than was previously available, as well as reduced fees.
Previously, the Foreign Trade Zone consisted of three different sites in the southern part of the county, near The Santa Teresa Port Of Entry. However, now companies located anywhere in the county will have a more fluid application process for Foreign-Trade Zone Status.
Doña Ana County is the first county in New Mexico to secure the foreign trade zone status for the entire county.
Information from: Doña Ana County Public Information Office.