April 30 , 2007
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
Trade with foreign markets plays an important role in economic development and the need to pursue new opportunities in order to expand Nebraska’s stake in the global marketplace is becoming more important.
In a time of unprecedented growth in so many countries around the world, it’s critical that we reach out and explore opportunities for Nebraska companies to provide the goods and services in high demand. Asia is one part of the world experiencing tremendous growth and there are numerous opportunities for those interested in being part of this economic expansion.
We’ve selected several countries that represent key markets for Nebraska, and I plan to lead a trade mission this fall with visits to China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan.
This will be the sixth trade mission of my administration, and we hope to assemble a dynamic group of delegates representing Nebraska’s leading industries for the Sept. 2 - 13 visit.
The trip was scheduled to coincide with the annual conference sponsored by the Midwest-U.S. Japan Association and will include a visit to the foreign trade office opened last fall in Tokyo, which is an excellent resource available to Nebraska companies looking to do business in Japan.
Japan is the third largest international market for Nebraska, with more than $225 million in exports in 2006. For our agricultural exports it is the largest overseas market, importing products totaling more than $153 million in 2006.
China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and is Nebraska’s fastest growing international market. With combined exports totaling more than $292 million last year, up from $119 million in 2001, Nebraska’s trade activities with Chinese companies has more than doubled in just the last five years. The visit to China will include a stop in Shanghai, one of the country’s largest commercial and industrial cities.
We have hosted several business delegations from China and Japan looking to expand here in the U.S. during the past year and this trip will be an important opportunity to build on those contacts and examine ways to increase foreign investment in our communities.
In addition to exploring opportunities for new exports and promoting Nebraska as an excellent place to do business, we will also be talking about Nebraska’s ability to be a consistent and high-quality supplier of beef, pork and other agricultural products.
The visit will also provide opportunities to meet with government officials, potential trading partners and foreign investors interested in doing business in the state. Anyone interested in being part of the delegation should contact either the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 800-831-0550, or the Nebraska Department of Economic Development at 800-426-6505.
We announced this trip early in an effort to provide interested businesses and commodity groups the time needed to explore possibilities in each of these countries and work to lay the foundation for a successful visit this fall. This time will be particularly valuable for companies looking to get involved in exports to other countries, and our state agencies are an excellent resource to help businesses explore opportunities in international trade.
This trade mission represents an important opportunity to explore agriculture and business development efforts that will benefit communities here at home for years to come. We want to make this trip a success for all those involved, and I look forward to leading a delegation that includes a wide variety of interests here in Nebraska.
