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Trade mission strengthens Indiana-Mexico relationship

Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch led a trade mission to Mexico this week. The Hoosier delegation met with senior officials including Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture Victor Villalobos and the Mexican Undersecretary of North America.

Crouch, who returned to Indiana Thursday night, says a highlight of the trip was signing a letter of intent with the state of Hidalgo.

“We both are located in the center of our country, agriculture is huge in both of our states, and we want to look at how we can grow our opportunities for agriculture, economic development, and tourism between Hidalgo and the state of Indiana,” she says.  

She says the letter is an initial step showing both states are interested in formalizing a relationship that will provide opportunities they can pursue in agriculture, education, economic development, and tourism.

Indiana was the first state in the nation to send a high-profile delegation to Mexico, after the country’s ratification of the USMCA in June.

Crouch says it signals Indiana is not waiting around and remains open for business.

“Mexico has taken the first step and our partnership and relationship with Mexico, Canada, and the United States is so important we are encouraging our federal delegation to please put pressure on and support the ratification of the USMCA,” she says.

Crouch said even with the uncertainty at the national level, they prioritized visiting Mexico and continuing to strengthen that relationship.

Mexico is Indiana’s second largest export partner. Indiana exports more than $5.4 billion worth of goods to Mexico each year.

Audio: Suzanne Crouch, Indiana Lieutenant Governor