Gov. Pritzker Continues Trade Mission to Mexico

MEXICO CITY— Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), and Intersect Illinois continued their trade mission to Mexico City. Through this mission, the State of Illinois seeks to strengthen its longstanding partnership with Mexico, paving the way for future investment and shared success. The second day of the trade mission focused on the agriculture industry and securing private investments for the State.

“Mexico and the State of Illinois have a long, storied relationship that goes back more than a century – the strength of which stems from generations of bold leadership and shared values, including rich traditions in agriculture,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Even as working families grapple with economic uncertainty, we must join our neighbors in Mexico and underscore the need to restore certainty and reasonability. Together, we can build bridges to new opportunities for growth and expansion – for the benefit of Illinoisans, Mexican businesses, and the entirety of our global community.”

“Illinois and Mexico share more than trade—we share values. When we talk about agriculture, we’re talking about people—the workers, the families, the communities that feed and sustain economies,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “By standing in partnership with Mexico, we can build an economy that centers equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.”

The day began with members of the delegation attending an event hosted by the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment, and Technology (COMCE)—a national private sector organization dedicated to promoting foreign trade, investment, and the development of technology. Governor Pritzker delivered remarks to a room of 100+ business executives, showcasing the State’s unique incentives and encouraging companies to consider doing business in Illinois.

Governor Pritzker highlighted the State’s geographical and transportation advantages in the middle of the country and between America’s neighbors, as well as Illinois’ recent history of credit upgrades, economic growth, and workforce development. He also mentioned his administration’s common sense policies that protect families—many of which are at risk in other U.S. States.

Following the COMCE event, Governor Pritzker joined the delegation for an Agriculture Roundtable moderated by Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello, Deputy Governor for Budget & Economy Andy Manar, and Mexican Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil. Participants included Illinois and Mexico industry leaders, who highlighted the rich tradition of agriculture in both regions. The discussion also addressed challenges like climate change, diseases that threaten livestock and crop yields, innovation in agriculture, and most recently, shifting political partnerships that cause commodity prices to fluctuate.

Roundtable participants additionally discussed the tariffs put in place by the Trump administration, which are set to go into effect April 2—threatening free and fair trade within the agriculture sector and beyond.

Later this evening, the Governor and the delegation will meet with Mexican businesses and site selectors to discuss opportunities for growth and expansion. Earlier this year, Site Selector Magazine named Illinois and Chicago as top U.S. destinations for corporate expansion and relocation, with Illinois ranked #2 ​ for the third year in a row, and Chicago named the #1 metro for the twelfth consecutive year.

###