Gov. Patrick Leads Trade Mission To Asia

Gov. Deval Patrick is off on another trade mission, this time to Asia with planned stops in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Patrick said the goal is to expand economic development and job creation in the clean tech, life sciences, financial services and transportation sectors.

In Japan, Patrick and the delegation plan to visit Kyoto and Tokyo. The trip began Friday and concludes Dec. 17.

Patrick said that in order for the state to create lasting economic growth it has to compete for jobs on a global playing field.

Patrick said he'll be accompanied by representatives from state government involved in the innovation sector. He's also planning to meet with the prime minister of Japan.

The governor has led several international trade missions in recent years, including trips to Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Brazil, Chile and Colombia.