Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty will travel to Mexico next month to help Minnesota-based companies increase exports to the country, build strategic relationships and explore new business opportunities. The trip was arranged at the request of the Mexican government with the assistance of the Consulate of Mexico in St. Paul, which opened in June 2005.

Governor Pawlenty will meet with Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Monday, November 9. The Governor will also meet with Minnesota business owners at a roundtable discussion and speak to the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico. He will return to Minnesota on Tuesday, November 10.

“Over the past ten years, Mexico grew from Minnesota’s 13th largest export market to 6th largest,” Governor Pawlenty said. “By sharing Minnesota’s successes with business and political leaders in Mexico, we hope to expand an already strong relationship.”

Mexico’s economy offers trade opportunities in a wide range of business sectors including agribusiness, energy, environmental technologies, telecommunications equipment and med-tech industries.

Companies interested in attending activities with Governor Pawlenty in Mexico City on November 9 should contact Barbara Mattson, 651-259-7490 or barbara.mattson@state.mn.us, at the Minnesota Trade Office by Wednesday, November 4.