COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 14, 1998 -- American Electric Power's (NYSE:AEP) international trade program continues to help its industrial customers grow and remain healthy through increased export sales. AEP is presently recruiting customers to participate in its trade mission Oct. 19-23 in Mexico City. Participants will attend two receptions with Mexican companies interested in their products and services, and participate in 10 to 12 individual appointments with prospective agents. Last year, U.S. exports to Mexico reached an annual rate of $68 billion, with Mexico surpassing Japan as our second largest country market. "This is the time to pursue the Mexican market," said Christine Sorg, AEP international development manager. "The economy is recovering and good opportunities are available for U.S. companies willing to make the needed investment to be successful." Sorg estimates the trade mission will cost customers about $2,460. The low cost of the trade mission is due to AEP's financial sponsorship and management of the mission, she said. Raymond Miller, owner of Miller Woods Designs in Sugarcreek, Ohio, attended a trade show in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1996. Miller, whose company manufactures intermediate wood products from Appalachian hardwoods, said he was impressed with AEP's export program. "AEP is simply not a large uncaring company," Miller said. "It really is a company with individual faces and names that is concerned with my business and is working to help my company." AEP understands the value of export development and believes its program benefits the customer, as well as AEP, Sorg said. "We want our customers to be viable players in the business world, both in the United States and abroad. Our international trade program is just one way in which AEP reinforces its commitment to helping our customers be successful," Sorg said. Anyone interested in attending the upcoming trade mission should contact Christine Sorg at 614/223-4762 no later than July 27. The Mexican trade mission will conclude the 1998 international export series. Earlier trade shows and missions were held in Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico; Montreal and Quebec City, Canada; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. 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.