During the trade mission, Governor Whitman met with Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo and other government leaders who reassured New Jersey businesses about Mexico's commitment to strengthening bilateral trade relations. Discussions focused on policy issues dealing with telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and financial institutions. As evidence of New Jersey's commitment to the region, Governor Whitman led a trade mission to Brazil, Argentina and Chile this past spring. Designed to increase export and investment between New Jersey and South America, the delegation was the largest ever assembled by the State of New Jersey. Mexico is the State's sixth largest trading partner.
New Jersey is the ninth leading exporter among the states.
New Jersey is also the fifth leading state in foreign direct investment, hosting more than 1,200 foreign firms.