Deval Patrick on Free Trade Democratic Governor (MA) and presidential contender

Deeper trade ties between U.S. and China

As governor, he made his first foreign trade mission to Beijing in 2007, where he spoke of Massachusetts's historic trade ties to China.

During his tenure, he worked to arrange direct Boston-Beijing flights, deepen U.S.-China research cooperation, and increase U.S. companies' investment in China.

New airports open our doors to new markets

I know there is unfinished business. But I also know that we are a more prosperous, more promising and more just Commonwealth for more people today. I know that Massachusetts is back in the leadership business, and that the state of our Commonwealth is strong.

Economic growth matters--not just because it creates wealth, though that is good; and not just because it expands a given industry or reduces unemployment rates, though that is also good. Growth matters because it creates opportunity, and opportunity is fundamental to who we are. Every one of us has a stake in that. Creating opportunity, keeping the Dream within reach, is the agenda now, just as it has been for the past seven years.