Gov. Pat Quinn headed for Brazil Sunday on trade trip

SPRINGFIELD-Gov. Pat Quinn will leave Sunday for a six-day trade mission to Brazil to “strengthen Illinois exports, foster education and boost tourism,” the governor’s office announced Thursday.

Quinn is the first Illinois governor to embark on such a trip to the South American country, with whom Illinois exported $2.55 billion in goods last year. Among all states, Illinois is the fourth largest exporter to Brazil.

The governor will make stops in Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Recife.

“Brazil’s strong economy and expanding middle class make the country an important market for Illinois,” Quinn said in a prepared statement. “We are bringing together leaders from business, government and education to create and develop the relationships that will help economic growth in Illinois.”