JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) – Missouri Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will be traveling out of the United States to promote the Show-Me State as an ideal business location.
From July 22-26, Gov. and First Lady Parson will travel to the United Kingdom and Belgium for an international trade mission. According to a release from the Governor, the U.K. and Belgium are top sources of foreign direct investment and key trade partners for Missouri, with more than $307M and $330M in exports in 2023, respectively.
The goal of the trade mission is to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade. Gov. Parson will meet with various government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to promote Missouri as a prime destination for business investment and expansion.
The trade mission will include stops in London and Brussels to meet with companies with an existing presence in Missouri and companies without a presence in the state to encourage future investment.
The total $637M in goods exported to the U.K. and Belgium in 2023 shows the importance of international trade to the state’s economic success. Among the goods exported, chemicals, machinery, metal products, and transportation equipment were among those in highest demand in the U.K., with chemicals among those in highest demand in Belgium.
U.K. Highlights:
In the United Kingdom, Gov. Parson will visit the Farnborough International Airshow and meet with executives of several leading companies in attendance, including Boeing, Leonardo, and Sonaca, all of which have existing relationships with Missouri.
Gov. Parson will also participate in a reception with Karen Pierce, British Ambassador to the United States, in celebration of the Farnborough International Airshow.
Belgium Highlights:
Governor Parson will take part in meetings with executives of several leading companies, including Anheuser-Busch InBev, Duvel Moorgat, and Whitebridge Pet Brands, all of which have existing relationships with Missouri.
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