Quinn takes unannounced trade trip to Spain

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn is visiting Spain to court investment in Illinois manufacturing, alternative energy and infrastructure.

Quinn has taken several overseas trips this year. This is the second trip his office did not announce before his departure.

Spokeswoman Brooke Anderson says Quinn is in Madrid meeting with businesses, commercial associations and government representatives. He arrived Thursday and is scheduled to return Sunday.

She says Quinn is paying his own expenses. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is paying the tab for two aides accompanying him who specialize in trade and foreign investment.

Anderson says Illinois exports to Spain in 2011 increased 29 percent over the previous year.

In March, Quinn took an unannounced trip to Toronto to the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association trade show.