Governor�s Mission to Mexico Closes with Joint Business Seminars

For Immediate Release: July 13, 2007

Delegation declares Washington open for business and trade with Mexico

GUADALAJARA - 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.�

Friday, July 13, 2007

8:30 a.m. Business delegation & State of Jalisco breakfast seminar
9:00 a.m. Education delegation departs for visit at ITESO University
12:30 p.m. Pollo Pepe french fry promotion
Travel to Seattle

Governor Gregoire will be keeping a journal of her trip and will post daily updates. Please visit the journal on Governor Gregoire�s Mexico trade mission web page.


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