Skip to content
Support local, fact-based journalism today
and you could win a $500 REI gift card.
Support essential local journalism for your community.
2021 Spring News | REI
Donate Now

View thank you gift options

CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • beats
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    • California Dream
    • Videos
    • Photos
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Roots
    • Eclectic
    • Videos
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight
    • California State of Mind
    • The View From Here
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • Insight Music
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • CapRadio Travels
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support / Underwriting
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Volunteering
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • State Government
  •  

What Can Brown Accomplish On His Mexico Trade Mission?

  •  Ben Adler 
Monday, July 28, 2014 | Sacramento, CA
Listen
/
Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Photo: Office of Gov. Brown

Gov. Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown open the California-China Office of Trade and Investment in Shanghai on Brown's last trade mission in April 2013.

Photo: Office of Gov. Brown

California Governor Jerry Brown is spending much of the week in Mexico on what his office calls a “trade and investment mission.” But what can a state trade mission like this
actually accomplish?

When we posed that question to Jock O’Connell, a trade expert with the firm Beacon Economics, he paused for about four seconds before responding: “Good question!”

After all, states don’t have a say in U.S. foreign policy. Brown acknowledged as much last week when he previewed his trade mission at the California Chamber of Commerce: “There are a lot of big issues that cause concern in both countries. I’m ot quite sure what a state governor can do. But if there’s anything I can do, I’ll find a way to do it.”

So what can Brown do? O’Connell says that depends. Sometimes, the trips are just for the vanity of the governor. “But when missions are carefully focused – when they’re primarily business missions, in which the governor is a party to it, then you can expect some gains.”

Mexico is California’s largest trading partner, and Brown hopes to boost trade opportunities and expand economic cooperation. “The business of buying and selling is not business of government, but our job is to open doors or to facilitate understanding and make all that possible,” he says.

That may not be the only reason business leaders are paying $5,000 each to join the governor, top administration officials and several state lawmakers on the trip. O’Connell says the cost is well worth the access. “There are any number of organizations and businesses that has interests that they want to advance at the state Capitol who are glad to spend $5,000 to spend some time up close and personal with the governor,” O'Connell says. 

Brown’s trip isn’t just about trade; he also plans to discuss immigration, and urge Mexico to pursue what he calls an “intelligent” agenda on climate change.


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

 jerry browntrade missionMexico

Ben Adler

Director of Programming and Audience Development

Director of Programming and Audience Development Ben Adler first became a public radio listener in the car on his way to preschool — though not necessarily by choice.  Read Full Bio 

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More State Government Stories

Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

California Lawmakers, Newsom Agree On $536-Million Wildfire Prevention Plan

April 8, 2021

Anne Wernikoff / CalMatters

Newsom’s Vow To Reopen California Is A High-Stakes Political Gamble

April 6, 2021

Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

Newsom Recall Organizers Oppose Bill To Let Future Recall Targets Access Signature Lists

April 12, 2021

Most Viewed

California Coronavirus Updates: COVID-19 Vaccination Pop-Up Clinic At Luther Burbank High School On April 13

California Coronavirus Updates: Blue Shield Announces It Has The Capacity To Vaccinate Six Million People Per Week

Signatures Are In. What You Need To Know About The Gavin Newsom Recall Effort.

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

Blue Shield Of California Has Taken Over The State's Vaccine Roll-Out. Here’s What That Means.

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

California Coronavirus Updates: COVID-19 Vaccination Pop-Up Clinic At Luther Burbank High School On April 13

California Coronavirus Updates: Blue Shield Announces It Has The Capacity To Vaccinate Six Million People Per Week

Signatures Are In. What You Need To Know About The Gavin Newsom Recall Effort.

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

Blue Shield Of California Has Taken Over The State's Vaccine Roll-Out. Here’s What That Means.

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2021, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.