Gov. Pat Quinn is planning a trade mission to Brazil this year, saying there's "tremendous opportunity" for Illinois in South America.
Quinn met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington Thursday to pave the way for the trip.
He says Brazil is the state's fifth-largest trading partner.
Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson says the governor may also go to Colombia and other countries.
No dates for the trip have been set, but the goal is to go in the spring.
Quinn spent 12 days in China and Japan in September on a similar trade trip.
The Associated Press
