BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick is leading a trade mission to Chile and Brazil next month to promote economic development partnerships between Massachusetts and the South American nations.

The state delegation that includes business and academic leaders as well as government officials is scheduled to visit Chile on Dec. 1-2 to advance partnership opportunities in the innovation economy.

A larger delegation is scheduled to visit Brazil from Dec. 4-9 with stops in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro for visits to companies, universities and government agencies. The mission will focus on creating jobs in the life sciences, information technology, clean energy and education sectors.

The Patrick administration said in a statement that previous trade missions to Israel and Britain have resulted in companies from those countries expanding in Massachusetts.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.