roberto garces, founder

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In 1984, Mr. Roberto Garcés founded Mexchamber in Los Angeles, California. He arrived in the city in 1961 and established his own import/export and distributorship company (EXPORT-MEX) in the food and beverage industry, creating a commercial route from San Diego to San Francisco that is now operated by his heirs. After facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Roberto decided to charter Mexchamber with other Mexican entrepreneurs in 1984 to help producers and manufacturers in Mexico expand into the U.S. market. Despite other chambers changing their names to "Hispanic," Roberto and his board of directors proudly maintained the official name "Mexican International Chamber of Commerce and Industry," now known as MEXCHAMBER.  (ESPAÑOL)

With the entry into force of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)  Mexchamber expanded to other regions, facilitating trade between the signing countries.  NAFTA caused many small businesses' desire to enter the largest consumer market in North America.  The Mexchamber was instrumental for many young export companies to reach their mission. 

With the legal reform of 1996 (Commercial Chambers and its Confederacies Law), Mexchamber was authorized in 1998 by the Department of Commerce (SECOFI)  to operate in national territory, becoming the first binational chamber in the history of commercial relations between Mexico and the United States.