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Gov. Gregoire to promote Washington products in Mexico

OLYMPIA – Governor Chris Gregoire departs Monday, July 9, on a five-day mission to promote Washington products and services in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico. Governor Gregoire will lead a delegation of Washington business, agriculture and education representatives to promote two-way trade of goods and services, as well as to promote foreign investment, tourism, and educational and cultural exchanges with Mexico.

“Expanding markets for our products and increasing foreign trade is a critical component of maintaining and growing Washington’s position in the global economy,” said Governor Gregoire. “Beyond promoting our high quality Washington products and services, we’re also promoting Washington innovation and high production standards that help bring economic prosperity to others by helping them compete globally.”

Governor Gregoire in Mexico will have the opportunity to meet with President Felipe Calderón to establish new ties and reaffirm the existing relationship that has grown through significant trading with Mexico. Mexico in 2006 became one of Washington’s top ten export markets and exports from Mexico to Washington also are growing rapidly.

Governor Gregoire will also meet with Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and sign an agreement to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, tourism, labor standards and educational and cultural exchange.

Members of the delegation from Washington universities and colleges will sign collaborative agreements with Mexican education institutions to promote the exchange of scholars, students, academic information and materials, as well as to advance technical education and training which significantly contributes to the prosperity and global competitiveness of both countries by raising the knowledge and skills of their citizens.

Governor Gregoire and the agriculture delegation will promote a variety of Washington products, including wine, potatoes, apples, cherries and processed foods, through in-store and restaurant promotions and receptions. Mexican companies in 2006 purchased $207 million in food and agricultural products from Washington including $128 million in apples.

In addition to visiting local businesses and meeting with government counterparts in agriculture and commerce, the delegation will participate in networking meetings to expand opportunities for a range of products, including coating technologies, machinery and robotics for food packaging, and power protection systems. The Washington State Patrol will sign an agreement with the Secretariat of Public Security, Prevention and Social Readaptation of the State of Jalisco to encourage and develop initiatives and projects related to the training and improvement of public security.

The delegation will travel to Mexico on one of Aeroméxico’s first direct flights from Seattle to Mexico City. These new direct flights will help to boost two-way tourism and business opportunities between Washington and Mexico.

Previous missions to Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand led by Governor Gregoire have resulted in millions of dollars in sales for Washington farmers and businesses.

Related Links:

- Governor Gregoire's Web Site: Trade Mission to Mexico