Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick on Latin American Trade Ties

Massachussetts Governor Deval Patrick spoke about why he sees Latin America as an important trade partner for his state.

During his administration, Patrick has made seven trade missions, five of which were to Latin America: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Panama. “It’s very important to have a sense of mutuality,” he said. “What kinds of things can we build together?” He noted that one of the challenges of these trips is the expectation of immediate results. “It’s about forming relationships; it’s all in the follow-up,” he explained. Also, these missions are important to share the Massachusetts experience and its innovation economy with other countries.

Patrick noted that innovation is a pillar of his state’s economic growth strategy. Consistent investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure serve as a source of ideas and entrepreneurial activity, he said. Part of this strategy means attracting foreigners to study and do business in Massachusetts, so the government is taking measures to facilitate this. First, a new initiative seeks to take an advantage a loophole in the H1-B visa cap by allowing foreigners to work part-time at universities. Also, the government is seeking more direct flights to Boston. There is a new Boston-Panama City flight, and by the end of the year the government is hoping to establish a direct flight to Mexico City.