COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 10, 1999 -- American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP) is offering industrial customers an opportunity to expand their export businesses by participating in a two-city trade mission in Mexico. The registration deadline for the June 6-11 trade mission to Monterrey and Mexico City is Feb. 26. Participants will meet with eight to 10 companies in Monterrey and six to eight companies in Mexico City. The Mexican companies are seeking to establish a relationship with a U.S. manufacturer. Mexico was the second largest market for U.S. goods last year, with imports totaling $71 billion. During the past five years, AEP and more than 60 industrial customers have participated in trade events in Monterrey and Mexico City. The companies reported positive experiences with the trade shows and were especially pleased with individual appointments. The reports led AEP to develop the trade mission format last year. The focus is on individual appointments with potential distributors. AEP arranges trade missions for customers as part of its Going GlobalJ export assistance program. The company offers several trade events throughout the year which are designed to help industrial customers grow and remain healthy through increased international sales. As part of the program, AEP travels with customers, sets up individual appointments and makes logistical arrangements. “In the past, we have focused on either Monterrey or Mexico City at one time,” said Christine Sorg, AEP’s international development manager. “This new format provides services in both locations during the same trip. Covering the two cities in one week makes sense both in regards to time and money. I am pleased we are able to offer this option to our customers.” Additional information on AEP’s Going Global program may be obtained by calling Sorg at 614/883-7722. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.