- Published: Friday, October 05, 2012 10:12 AM
Promotes Illinois products in a large and growing market
SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-16th) joined Governor Pat Quinn, university and business leaders and other prominent Illinoisans as ambassadors for the state’s products on a trade mission to Brazil last week.
“I was deeply impressed by the dynamic diversity of this beautiful country, and I’m excited Illinois has forged new ties with Brazil in education, tourism, investment and exports,” Sen. Collins said. “Illinois, which already attracts more foreign investment than any other state in the Midwest, is ideally positioned for profitable partnerships with Brazil.”
During the six-day trip, the delegation visited Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Recife. They announced several new initiatives to bring Brazilian students to Illinois universities, facilitate joint research opportunities, promote mutual investment and position Illinois companies to provide goods and services to Brazil as it prepares for a nationwide, $150 billion infrastructure upgrade. Sen. Collins and her fellow travelers also spoke to Brazilians about opportunities for tourists in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois.
“It was an honor to help showcase not only Illinois products, but Illinois’ phenomenal workers, researchers, communities and institutions of higher learning,” Sen. Collins said. “Continued economic growth is vital to improving quality of life in Illinois, and I’m confident the bridges we’ve built on this visit will benefit both Illinois and Brazil for years to come.”
Brazil’s economy is the largest in Latin America and the sixth-largest in the world. The nation’s GDP growth surpassed expectations last year, indicating a strong recovery from the global recession. The total value of exports from Illinois to Brazil rose 24 percent between 2010 and 2011.
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Touring the Ingredion Brazil corn processing plant in Cabo
