MEXICO CITY (WCIA) — Governor JB Pritzker signed a memorandum of understanding between Mexico and Illinois on Monday during a trade mission.
Pritzker signed the Addendum to the Illinois-Mexico Sister-State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) alongside Mexico Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez. The agreement signed by Pritzker affirms commitment to continued trade and manufacturing collaborations with a focus on biotechnology and water resources. Illinois, other states sue HHS, RFK Jr. over public grant cuts
The MOU comes at the start of a delegation trip from Illinois to Mexico City with the purpose of deepening economic cooperation and opportunities between Illinois and Mexico. This specific agreement emphasizes the strong ties with a specific focus on bilateral trade in industries including manufacturing, agriculture and finance, according to a media release from Pritzker’s office.
“Mexico has been an essential partner to the state of Illinois for decades, and I’m proud to stand alongside Governor Gómez Álvarez and assert the importance of this continuing relationship,” Pritzker said. “More than ever before, we must reassure our neighbors in Mexico that Illinois will remain a beacon of economic and cultural cooperation and opportunity for our people.”
This agreement aims to promote strategic alliances between state government authorities, universities and research centers.
The MOU emphasized the impact of sustainable and efficient water usage and the necessary biotechnology to facilitate a future with clean water. This has proved to be an important issue in both Illinois and Mexico.
This specific MOU is a celebration of the 35-year anniversary of the signing of the first MOU between Mexico and Illinois, which was signed in 1990 by Governor Thompson and reaffirmed by Governor Quinn in 2013. This agreement focused on higher education and research, specifically on a project regarding corn research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
This MOU signing is just part of the delegation trip lead by Pritzker to Mexico City from March 30 to April 2. Pritzker, the Lieutenant Governor, senior state and education officials, private partners and business executives have been meeting with Mexican government and business officials on the trip.
Additionally, this trip aims to pave the way for future investments and emphasized the continued success between Illinois and Mexico.
“Illinois has long held Mexico in the highest regard, and there’s nothing more powerful to sparking innovation than human connection. I’m proud of Illinois’ ongoing commitment to progress, as shown today by Governor Pritzker and Governor Gómez Álvarez,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Expanding our mutual progress will ensure future generations will benefit from the bridge we’ve built together.”