“The Chinese market offers our companies immense growth potential, and this business trip will help those firms build initial relationships in China,” the Governor said.
Gov. Daugaard noted that a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant that South Dakota received last year is making the China trade mission possible. The grant allows the state to offer assistance to small businesses that are currently exporting or looking to export.
Joining the Governor on the trade mission will be two of his Cabinet members and officials from four companies that hope to benefit from increasing exports to China, including Lloyd’s Systems of Rapid City, MASABA of Vermillion, Kolberg-Pioneer of Yankton and Daktronics of Brookings
Governor’s Office of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Costello and South Dakota Agriculture Secretary Walt Bones will represent their departments on the trade mission.
“Pat and Walt are seasoned businessmen, and they can help open doors and identify opportunities for business relationships,” the Governor said.
More than 400 South Dakota companies currently export in excess of $1 billion worth of products to other countries each year.
“We have some companies with tremendous exporting expertise,” Gov. Daugaard said. “Our goal is to help those companies, as well as assist other South Dakota companies in exploring international markets.”
The trade mission is scheduled for March 24-29. Assisting the South Dakota delegation on the trade mission will be the North Dakota Trade Office.
“My friend, Gov. Jack Dalrymple, and the North Dakota Trade Office have been extremely supportive in our efforts to expand international trade in South Dakota,” Gov. Daugaard said. “The North Dakota Trade Office has really set an example of how a successful trade organization can make a difference by helping businesses reach new markets.”
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