New Jersey's trade and investment commitment to Brazil is unwavering, and we have enjoyed a wonderful friendship built upon our common beliefs and desire for enhanced prosperity for both of our peoples. It is a relationship that I predict will become even stronger in the 21st Century. In announcing Medina's selection for the Order, Flavio Miragaia Perri, Consul General of the Brazilian Consulate in New York, cited the Secretary's efforts to expand the commercial links between the two nations. Last year, Governor Christie Whitman and Secretary Medina led one of the most comprehensive trade and investment missions in state history to South America, which included the countries of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. According to Medina, the Commission arranged more than 300 meetings between New Jersey companies and top South American business executives.
Brazil is the largest country in the Latin American region.
It makes sense for New Jersey to continually strengthen its ties to this strategic trade partner. In the area of foreign direct investment, New Jersey ranks 6th. Last month the Governor led an 11-day trade mission to Japan, Korea and Taiwan.