Contacts:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Ethnie Groves, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2156
Agreement Will Expand Cultural, Business, and Educational Ties
GUADALAJARA, MEXICO – Governor Jim Doyle signed an agreement today with Governor Francisco Javier Ramírez Acuña, of Jalisco, Mexico, to expand the two states cultural, business, and educational ties. Wisconsin and Jalisco initially became sister states in 1991.
“I welcome this opportunity to expand and revitalize the relationship between Wisconsin and Jalisco,” Governor Doyle said. “Although we have been sister states for many years, I believe we can bring new energy into the relationship. Our two states have much in common, and we should explore every avenue for mutual benefit through increased cooperation.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the two states will carry out step-by-step cooperation and exchange in a variety of areas. Both governors agreed to encourage industrial, commercial, agricultural, environmental, cultural, and educational activities that foster various forms of cooperation in order to promote the prosperity and development of Wisconsin and Jalisco. Interested leaders and departments in the State of Wisconsin and the State of Jalisco will maintain regular contacts through various means, and consult on matters relating to cooperation and exchanges between the two states.
The state of Jalisco has the fourth largest economy in Mexico. The state has diversified from being agriculture and trade-focused to become one of the largest recipients of foreign investment in Mexico, with $414 million in 2002.
Today was the last day of Governor Doyle’s Mexico Trade Mission, which ran from March 6 to 11, 2005. The Governor was joined by Secretary of Commerce Mary Burke and Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Rod Nilsestuen, as well as 33 Wisconsin business leaders from across the state. A complete list of mission participants can be found at: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=2700&locid=19.
Last Friday, the Governor’s office launched a special interactive homepage for the Mexico Trade Mission as part of the Governor’s website – http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/. The page allows Wisconsin school children to follow along as the Governor meets with Mexican officials and business leaders, and travels throughout Mexico. It includes descriptions of what the Governor is doing and general information about Mexico, and also features an interactive map. It is updated daily with photos and other announcements pertaining to the trade mission.
