TORONTO, March 8 /CNW/ - Scotiabank, sponsor of Canada's first Mexico Mining Day Conference, helped set the stage today for the promotion and development of one of Latin America's most promising mining regions. Canadian investors met face-to-face with experts on Mexico's mining industry and financial markets, as Scotiabank presented a series of seminars and panel discussions involving Mexican business and government officials.

"Scotiabank's history in Mexico dates back more than 40 years and we are proud of our connection with this country," said Stephen McDonald, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Scotia Capital and Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking. "Mexico is a growing economy, with a young, dynamic population, and we continue to see tremendous opportunity in its people and its businesses."

"Scotiabank has been a strong supporter of the mining industry in Mexico by providing financing and advisory solution through Scotia Capital," said Nicole Reich, Executive Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Grupo Financiero Scotiabank Mexico. "We are pleased to be working with the Mexican government to bring attention to Mexico's mining sector. We see a lot of potential for growth and future investment in this area."

Mexico is a major producer of silver, base metals and gold and the nation is ranked among the world's Top 10 producers of barite, manganese, salt, lead and zinc. A leading producer of silver, celestite and bismuth, the country's mining sector also produces base metals such as zinc and lead.

In September 2005, Scotiabank Mexico was aligned with Scotia Capital to further establish our Global Wholesale Banking platform, optimizing the delivery of its capabilities to clients in the region.  Multinational corporate, institutional and government clients benefit from Scotia Capital's seamless approach to conducting business throughout North America and beyond.

In September 2008, Scotia Capital Mexico unveiled its new state-of the-art premises in Mexico City, which integrates more than 200 staff in one location, including 100 capital markets professionals, in a 40,000 square foot facility located in Scotiabank Plaza, Mexico City. The new premises and trade floor demonstrate the ongoing, long-term commitment to grow Scotia Capital's operations in Mexico, while enhancing our commitment to offering the best possible service to clients.

About Scotiabank in Latin America
In Latin America, Scotiabank has operations in Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. The Bank has approximately 25,000 employees, 2,157 automated banking machines (ABMs) and 1,466 branches, kiosks and other offices in the region, including affiliates. Scotiabank has been in El Salvador since 1997, where it is the fourth-largest bank; in Peru since 1997, where it is the third-largest bank; Mexico since 1967, where it is the sixth-largest commercial bank; and Chile since 1990, where it is the sixth-largest bank.

About Scotia Capital
Scotia Capital is the global corporate and investment banking and capital markets division of the Scotiabank Group. We help corporate, institutional and government clients in Canada and around the globe seize opportunities, unlock value, and achieve their financial goals. Scotia Capital has 29 offices and more than 300 relationship managers organized around industry specialties. For more information, please visit www.scotiacapital.com.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve some 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $541 billion (as at January 31, 2011), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.