Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

 Last week, I had the opportunity to make an important connection for our state. I was pleased to meet South Korean Ambassador Lee Tae-sik during his visit to Nebraska and other Midwestern states.

His time in our state provided us the chance to discuss business development opportunities and trade issues impacting Nebraska.

In addition to our meeting, I hosted a luncheon welcoming Ambassador Lee to the state. The luncheon was attended by Nebraska business and economic development representatives and ag commodity group leaders. Representatives of several Korean War veterans’ organizations were also in attendance and were recognized by Ambassador Lee for their contributions to his country in the 1950’s.

Ambassador Lee’s visit provided an opportunity for Nebraska businesses to make an important connection. In previous years, South Korea was an important market for our agricultural producers and those in the agribusiness sector. We want to build on that relationship and expand opportunities for other Nebraska industries to do business with South Korea.

Overall, Nebraska’s exports to South Korea grew by more than $40 million last year to $127 million, making it Nebraska’s sixth largest international export market.

Currently, Nebraska companies export manufactured products ranging from gas meters and regulators to storage equipment for agricultural products and electronic voting equipment. More than 40 Nebraska companies are currently exporting goods to South Korea, which has also been a significant market for Nebraska’s agriculture industry – our beef and pork producers in particular.

Prior to banning U.S. beef in late 2003, South Korea was Nebraska’s second largest beef market, valued at $108 million annually. In our meeting, we discussed the need for improved market access for our beef products. Ambassador Lee indicated this is an important issue to resolve and I am hopeful that ongoing discussions at the federal level will be successful in opening the door to a wider variety of products in the near future.

We continue to make the case for Nebraska products in foreign markets around the world and this visit was a great opportunity to showcase some of what Nebraska has to offer. We also extended a personal invitation for Korean companies to participate in Nebraska’s upcoming reverse trade mission, planned for Sept. 10 - 13. The event will provide international companies the opportunity to observe firsthand the quality products, goods and services produced in Nebraska and promote opportunities for new investment in our state.

I appreciate the time Ambassador Lee spent with us. I look forward to working with him and other international business and government contacts as we explore future opportunities for collaboration between the Republic of Korea and the state of Nebraska.