The Undersecretary for North America, Carlos Sada, traveled to Los Angeles, California, to attend the National Meeting of Financial Empowerment Windows.

The Financial Empowerment Window Program began in 2014 at the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles and in 2015 at the consulate in New York, with the backing of the Citibank’s Citi Community Development organization. 

Resources provided by the Mexican government enabled the Financial Empowerment Windows program to expand throughout the country as part of the Family Assets Protection Program for the financial education and inclusion of Mexicans in the United States promoted by the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME).  To date, there are 42 Financial Empowerment Windows in operation and financial and family asset advice has been given to over 940,000 people.

The Financial Empowerment Windows in Mexico's U.S. consulates provide information and guidance to the Mexican community on various issues related to financial services, such as opening bank accounts, loans, savings, tax preparation and debt management.

The meeting, which took place at the California Community Foundation in Los Angeles, was held to improve the practices and daily operation of the Windows; to standardize data collection and reports; and to strengthen the ties between consular personnel and the local operators involved in the program.

The meeting was attended by Bob Annibale, Global Director, Citi Community Development; Mario di Constanzo, President of the National Commission to Protect and Defend Financial Services Users (CONDUSEF); representatives of the Los Angeles and New York governments; and various partner organizations, such as the Youth Policy Institute.

While in Los Angeles from December 18-19, Undersecretary Sada also met with Milken Institute President Michael Milken to discuss the bilateral relationship and possible research studies on Mexico. He also met with the Mexico Innova Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting ties and collaboration among Mexicans living in Southern California.

Mexico sees California as a partner on key issues such as bilateral trade, immigration, climate change and sustainable energy.  Bilateral trade between Mexico and California totaled $71.615 billion USD in 2016. According to the US Census Bureau, there are almost four million Mexicans living in Los Angeles County, or 76% of the county's Hispanic population.

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