Ellspermann to Lead Trip to Asia
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowLieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann will lead an agricultural trade mission beginning this weekend in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The trip will include meetings with government officials, trade associations and a research university.
June 11, 2014
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann today announced that she will lead a delegation of agricultural business leaders and commodity representatives on her first international trade mission to Asia. The delegation will visit Japan, South Korea and Taiwan on June 14 – 28 and meet with government officials, commodity groups, trade associations, and a research university.
“To support a growing economy in Indiana, we must continue to develop more business relationships in all parts of the world,” Lt. Governor Ellspermann said. “The agricultural trade mission will help us build on the strong trade relations that Indiana already has with these Asian countries and allow us to enhance our global leadership in agriculture.”
She noted, “The trade mission will enable Hoosier agricultural businesses to explore new markets and expand their current trade activities with these key Asian customers as well as encourage additional investments in Indiana. The delegation members will also strengthen relationships with key government and industry officials for future trade discussions.”
Lt. Governor Ellspermann added, “Our state's agriculture industry and agri-businesses employ 475,000 Hoosiers with 34,800 jobs directly related to agricultural exports. Although Indiana already ranks 8th in nation in agriculture exports, we believe that there are opportunities for greater exports and foreign investment.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, Indiana has nearly $4.7 billion in agricultural exports each year. Indiana is ranked among the highest in the nation in exporting the following commodities:
• 5th in soy meal ($347 million)
• 4th in vegetables oils ($294 million)
• 5th in corn ($641 million)
• 5th in pork ($344 million)
• 5th in feeds and fodder ($391 million)
• 6th in grain products ($302 million)
The cost of the trade mission is being covered through private donations. In addition to Lt. Governor Ellspermann, the state will be represented by Ted McKinney, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and ISDA’s economic development team.
Hoosiers can follow the Lt. Governor’s trade mission, including video clips and photos, at www.lg.in.gov/Asia2014 or on social media with the hashtag, “#LgTradeMission”.