Central Illinois economic development leaders join Pritzker on Mexican trade mission
(25News Now) - The Peoria area and McLean County are represented on a trade mission to Mexico led by Gov. JB Pritzker, who hopes to strengthen ties across the southern border even as the Trump administration imposes tariffs on Mexican products.
About 70 leaders from the public and private sector are joining the governor, including Chris Setti, CEO and founding partner of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, and Patrick Hoban, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council.
Delegation members and their Mexican counterparts will discuss ways to enhance collaboration in sectors such as agriculture and food processing, finance, and manufacturing, according to a release from the governor’s office.
“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 governor said in a prepared statement.
Trade between Illinois and Mexico exceeded $32 billion in 2024, according to the governor’s office. Mexico is Illinois’ second-largest export market and third-largest import market.
“Agriculture is Illinois’ number one industry, and our farmers feed the world,” said Jerry Costello, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, who is also participating in the trade mission. “Our department has operated a trade office in Mexico City for decades. We look forward to this mission as an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships as well as forge new ones with our partners in Mexico for mutually beneficial collaboration.”
The trade mission runs from Sunday, March 30 to Wednesday, April 2.
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