March 26, 2011
Manitoba and Illinois to Sign Historic Agreement
CHICAGO - Premier Greg Selinger and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to foster co-operation in key areas including trade and inland port development, expansion of the innovation economy, clean energy trade, water protection and crime prevention.
“Illinois and Manitoba share a common history as transportation hubs and centres for commodity trade and retail distribution throughout North America,” said Selinger. “This agreement marks an important milestone in strengthening the already deep and enduring ties between our jurisdictions by ensuring we remain continental leaders in these areas, while also positioning ourselves to fully realize exciting new opportunities in the global economy.”
In 2010, Manitoba-Illinois trade totalled more than $2.1 billion, making Illinois Manitoba’s second‑largest U.S. trading partner and number one source of imports among American states.
“This important agreement solidifies our commitment to working together to ensure both Illinois and Manitoba continue to grow and succeed in the global marketplace,” said Quinn. “Global partners are critical to our efforts to boost our economies and create jobs.”
The MOU formalizes the intentions of the Province of Manitoba and State of Illinois to work together on:
- expanding trade, tourism, transportation and the development of inland ports;
- fostering growth of the mid-continent innovation and knowledge economy with a focus on life sciences and biotechnology;
- exchanging knowledge and best practices in water stewardship, river management and research;
- examining options for clean energy trade and services, and;
- sharing best practices in crime prevention with a focus on youth.
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