Governor's Mission to Mexico Closes with Joint Business Seminars

Press Release

Delegation declares Washington open for business and trade with Mexico

Governor Chris Gregoire's business delegation today participated in a joint seminar with the State of Jalisco, where commerce leaders discussed further opportunities for doing business in Washington and Mexico.

The business delegation highlighted Washington's jump in Forbes.com rankings to 5th Best State for Business, up from 12th position last year. Governor Gregoire's Next Washington strategies for removing barriers and improving efficiencies for business is driver for attracting business to Washington and remaining globally competitive . Delegates discussed innovation in the industries that have been the focus of much discussion in Mexico this week: agriculture and food production, aerospace, machine tools and medical equipment, as well as environmental technologies.

"We've had a very productive week in Mexico - we expanded our relationship beyond areas of tourism and trade to further cooperation in areas of security and education," said Governor Gregoire. "We promoted our quality products and services, while exploring solutions to current barriers in trade - particularly concerning red and golden delicious apples. The livelihood of Washington farmers relies on continued growth in agricultural exports - whether apples, cherries, beef or fresh potatoes."

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