Patrick To Lead Trade Mission To Chile, Brazil

Gov. Deval Patrick is heading to Chile and Brazil on a trade mission to promote economic ties between Massachusetts and the South American nations.

A state delegation that includes business and academic leaders as well as government officials is scheduled to visit Chile on Thursday and Friday to promote partnership opportunities.

A larger delegation is scheduled to visit Brazil from Dec. 4-9 with stops in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro for visits to companies, universities and government agencies.

The mission will focus on creating jobs in the life sciences, information technology, clean energy and education sectors.

The Patrick administration said in a statement that previous trade missions to Israel and Britain have resulted in companies from those countries expanding in Massachusetts.