Governor Pat Quinn left for Brussels, Belgium Wednesday with hopes to expand Illinois trade, tourism, and business opportunities.
The governor will have a full schedule during the first gubernatorial trade mission to Europe in 13 years. He will participate in several events organized by NATO, address a trade conference sponsored by the European Union, and host a business roundtable with Belgian businesses that currently invest in Illinois, potential investors, and business leaders and associations.
"We want the world to know that their trip to America starts in Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "We'll showcase Illinois' tremendous economic assets before an international audience and we'll bring back more trade opportunities, tourism, and business investment to Illinois."
Belgium and the European Union both have significant business relationships with Illinois. Last year Illinois exports to the EU grew over 27%, totaling $11.5 billion. Belgium received over $1.65 billion worth of Illinois exports in 2011, making it the state's ninth largest trading partner. The top industries involved are industrial machinery, vehicles, and chemical products.
