During an upcoming trade mission to Taiwan, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon expects to finalize a five-year, $600 million agreement for Missouri products, including corn and soybeans.
Gov. Jay Nixon will lead a delegation on a trip planned for Dec. 10–16. Among the delegates joining him are Jon Hagler, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, David Ker, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Kelly Gillespie, executive director of the Missouri Biotechnology Association and representatives of companies and groups including Boeing Corp., the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and St. James Winery, according to a news release from Nixon’s office.
A letter of intent expresses Taiwan’s desire to purchase an average of $120 million in Missouri goods, including agricultural crops, annually for the next five years. In 2009, Missouri exported a total of $69.1 million, and initial projections through third-quarter 2010 show an increase of about 28 percent to about $88 million, the release said.
“Taiwan is a significant trade partner for our state, and I appreciate its willingness to do more business with Missouri,” Nixon said in the release. “Throughout this important trade mission, I will be looking for new and innovative opportunities to help Missouri businesses expand their markets, create more jobs and move our economy forward.
The Missouri delegation is slated to arrive in Taiwan on Dec. 11 and participate in meetings through Dec. 14.
Nixon is scheduled to witness the signing of an approximately $1.2 million sales agreement between NECO Seed Farms and Taiwanese customer Central Union.
On Dec. 14, the delegation will head to Seoul, South Korea, where visitors will speak with government and business leaders and attend a luncheon hosted by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Nixon and his wife, Georgeanne, also will mark the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War by laying a wreath at the War Memorial in Seoul and visiting Missouri troops stationed in South Korea.
Taxpayer funds will not be used to pay travel costs for the Nixons, the release said. Their trip will be paid for by the Hawthorn Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Missouri’s economic growth.[[In-content Ad]]
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