On Trade Trip, Gov. Patrick To Visit Panama, Mexico

On Monday Gov. Deval Patrick heads out on his seventh trade trip since taking office in 2007. This one is to Panama and Mexico.

Panama is expanding its canal, and the governor is debating whether to dredge Boston Harbor in order to accommodate larger boats from there. As well, he wants Mexico to start a direct flight to Boston.

State Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki, who's also on this trip, says a personal visit by the governor helps convince businesses of the state's commitment.

“This is an invitation from Gov. Patrick himself for companies that are located in other countries to look first to Massachusetts when they decide to open a United States office,” he said.

Bialecki estimates this trip will cost between $50,000 and $100,000, and he believes the state will see a return on that investment.