PIERRE S.D. (Dakota News Now) – This week, Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen will be joined by South Dakota Trade President & CEO Jesse L. S. Fonkert, Governor’s Office of Economic Development Commissioner Bill Even, Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hunter Roberts, and SD Soybean Research Council Executive Director Jerry Schmitz for a trade mission to Japan and South Korea.
“We’re bringing a strong delegation and a clear message: South Dakota is Open for Opportunity, and our producers and businesses are ready to compete on the world stage,” said Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen.
“South Dakota is a state that punches far above its weight in agricultural production, and missions like this ensure buyers across the globe know just how strong our economy is.”
The goal of the delegation is to strengthen South Dakota’s commercial relationships with Japan and South Korea, which have recently reached framework trade agreements with the United States, and attract investments to the state.
“This is 100 percent a business-driven mission,” said Jesse L. S. Fonkert, President & CEO of South Dakota Trade.
“Japan and South Korea are two of our most important partners in East Asia, and both countries are actively engaged in expanded trade frameworks with the United States. This is exactly the right moment to be in the room, building trust and connecting South Dakota’s world-class industry with willing buyers.”
Commissioner Even will head efforts to promote South Dakota for foreign investment.
“This trade mission is an opportunity to promote South Dakota exports while strengthening relationships that support future investment in our state,” said Commissioner Bill Even, Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
“We are proud to share South Dakota’s business advantages with partners in Japan and Korea and to open doors for continued economic growth.”
“American agricultural products are in demand, and South Dakota’s farmers are ready to deliver,” said Secretary Hunter Roberts, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“This mission puts our producers in front of the right buyers at exactly the right time.”
“South Dakota soybean farmers depend on strong export markets, and Japan and South Korea are among the most important,” said Jerry Schmitz, executive director of the South Dakota Soybean Research Council.
“Having our producers represented at the government level on a mission like this reinforces that South Dakota is a reliable, high-quality supplier, and that matters when buyers are making long-term sourcing decisions.”
South Dakota businesses interested in future trade missions or export assistance can contact South Dakota Trade at info@southdakotatrade.com.
Visit www.southdakotatrade.com for more information.
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