November 14, 2013

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Makes First International Trip To Mexico City

Chicago and México City to Sign Innovative Economic Partnership Committed to Increase Tourism, Expand Exports, and Facilitate University Partnerships

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is in Mexico City, Mexico today on his first international trip as Mayor of Chicago. While in Mexico City, Mayor Emanuel will sign the Global Cities Economic Partnership with Mexico City Mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera, an agreement that will help foster trade, exchange and learning, while seeking to develop global trade and investment strategies. Mayor Emanuel will also meet with civic and business leaders interested in the Chicago market. He will additionally make a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Chicago region is home to more than 1.5 million residents of Mexican descent and Chicago has the second largest Mexican population of any city in the United States behind Los Angeles, CA.

“It is fitting that the greatest of Mexican cities and the most American of American cities are forming this partnership,” said Mayor Emanuel. “While we have been a Sister City with Mexico City for over two decades, we will now take that relationship a step further and work together to unlock enormous possibilities for the future. By increasing tourism, trade, foreign direct investment, and collaboration on our shared challenges and opportunities we have a shared opportunity to positively shape the experiences of our residents for decades to come.”

México City and Chicago have been culturally linked as Sister Cities since 1991. With the signing of the Global Cities Agreement, Mayor Emanuel and México City Mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera will expand the economic ties between the two cities and build on several market opportunities, such as shared industry specializations, existing foreign investments, and strong research institutions.  A signing ceremony will occur at the Global Cities Initiative forum hosted by the Brookings Institute today in México City. 

The Mayor also visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a National Shrine of Mexico, which houses the cloak of Juan Diego that holds the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the second most visited Catholic sanctuary in the world, after the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Finally, the Mayor will discuss Chicago as a business and tourist destination with business and government leaders at a reception hosted by Choose Chicago. This year, Chicago experienced 42 percent increase in visitations from Mexican markets, more than four times the national growth rate. Mayor Emanuel and World Business Chicago have been actively seeking and cultivating relationships with Mexican companies – to attract jobs, promote trade, and facilitate direct investment. The reception will further highlight Chicago’s strengths in key areas and lay the groundwork for partnerships in industries that are relevant to both cities, such as food service and health care.

Mayor Emanuel returns to Chicago on Friday, November 15.

 

 

 

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