Creating opportunity. (Mexican ambassador Enrique Michel)

New Mexican ambassador says Dallas is the center of future economic action

Mexico's new consul general in Dallas has left the Far East behind for a city that's closer to home -- and, to his way of thinking, at the center of action.

Ambassador Enrique Michel, the new consul general to North Texas and Oklahoma, notes that Dallas' location between Mexico and Canada will make it a center of trade if the North American Free Trade Agreement is ratified.

"Dallas is quite important for us, and this is one of the most important commercial gateways we have in the world," Michel said.

Also, Mexicans have a natural affinity for Dallas, Michel said. Like North Texas, Mexico has a tradition of horsemanship, he said: "That is a basic point of understanding."

Many wealthy Mexicans already hold commercial and residential real estate in Dallas, he said. They enjoy visiting Dallas because of its theater, ballet, symphony, restaurants, sports, shopping and friendly people.

In fact, classical music, ballet, the theater and motion pictures are …