(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s trade mission to Mexico includes a delegation of more than 70 people.
A statement from the governor’s office said the trip, scheduled from March 30 to April 2, is aimed at deepening economic ties and fostering greater cooperation between the state of Illinois and Mexico.
“Illinois is a prime destination for businesses seeking to invest and grow in the U.S. market. Our state’s forward-thinking policies, coupled with our rich natural resources, skilled workforce, and world-class infrastructure, make it an ideal place for companies to thrive,” Pritzker said in a statement. “As we embark on this trade mission to Mexico, we are excited to further strengthen our economic ties and showcase the many advantages that Illinois offers to businesses in North America and around the world.”
The statement from Pritzker’s office shared the names of 71 people who would be joining the governor in Mexico. The delegation includes people from the private and public sectors, including five Democratic state lawmakers, members of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and members of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jaime di Paulo is part of the delegation. He said his goal is to bring business to Illinois.
“Being the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I think we have a lot to offer so they can come and do business in Illinois,” di Paulo told The Center Square.
According to di Paulo, the big delegation is split into sectors.
“We’re meeting with agriculture folks, with automotive people, technology folks, and then we have a bunch of workshops,” di Paulo. “Hopefully each one of us can get our job done and bring some wealth to Illinois.”
Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi said the junket to Mexico is a distraction for the governor of a state with a heavy tax burden.
“Here he’s leaving to Mexico. Seriously? With a lot of heavies in our state, right, on the taxpayers’ dime,” Salvi told The Center Square.
Salvi said it’s irresponsible for Pritzker to make the trip when he’s driven businesses out of Illinois.
“I don’t have to remind you that in the last few years, under his leadership, we’ve lost Caterpillar, Citadel, Boeing, Tyson Foods, Guggenheim Partners, and TTX. That just scratches the surface. Many, many smaller businesses have shuttered and families are moving out of Illinois in droves,” Salvi said.
Salvi questioned Pritzker’s criticism of President Donald Trump when others have changed their mind and now support the president.
“He’s fighting, he’s posturing for a 2028 run for office. I think his bravado will end up being his downfall,” Salvi said.
