Governor Ryan Plans Mexico Trip to Expand Trade

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that he will be traveling to Mexico, Illinois' second largest trading partner, and meeting with President Ernesto Zedillo and President-elect Vicente Fox.

Governor Ryan will leave for Mexico from Chicago on Sunday, September 24 and return on Tuesday, September 26.

"Mexico and Illinois have a vital trade relationship and this mission recognizes and reinforces the significant impact Mexico has on our prosperous economy," said Governor Ryan.

Illinois' Mexican export figures for last year total more than $3 billion. The top five export industries are: electronic and electrical equipment, industrial, machinery and computer equipment, chemicals and allied products, agricultural products, and food products.

Other events will include a meeting with Manuel Nunez, Governor of the State of Hidalgo, a tenth anniversary celebration for the State of Illinois' Mexican Trade Office, a meeting with the National Leadership of the Mexican Confederation of Employers (COPARMEX) and a reception for United Airlines.

Accompanying the Governor will be Pam McDonough, Director of the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Joseph Hampton, Director of the Department of Agriculture and members of the governor's staff. A copy of the itinerary is attached:

ITINERARY

Sunday, September 24, 2000

10:05am Depart O'Hare Int'l Airport for Mexico City

2:00pm Arrive in Mexico City

6:00pm Dinner meeting with Governor Arturo Montiel of Toluca, Mexico

Monday, September 25, 2000

8:30-10:00am Breakfast meeting with Manuel Nunez, Governor of the State of Hidalgo. Location: Marquis Hotel

11:15am US Ambassador to Mexico Jeffrey Davidow, US Embassy

1:00pm President Ernesto Zedillo Ponce De Leon, Los Pinos

2:00-3:30pm Business luncheon with business leaders.

4:00-5:00pm Visit to the State of Illinois Trade Office, Open House in celebration of 10 Year Anniversary

7:00-9:00pm United Airlines Reception and Press Conference in honor of the UA inaugurated second flight from Chicago to Mexico City.

Tuesday, September 26, 2000

8:30-10:30am Breakfast meeting with the National Leadership of the Mexican Confederation of Employers - COPARMEX, Marquis Hotel

12:00pm Meeting with President-Elect Vicente Fox, President-Elect's Office, Paseo De La Reforma 607

3:00pm Depart for O'Hare Int'l Airport

6:53pm Arrive at O'Hare Int'l Airport