Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe recently led a Missouri trade mission to Italy to attract new business investment and strengthen economic ties.
Kehoe was asked how those meetings overseas translate into benefits for everyday Missourians.
“About 14 visits with companies over there are companies that are already in Missouri," Kehoe says. "So, we wanted to thank them for their investment here and find out what we can do for them. Of course, part of the visit is always talking to folks about what Missouri makes that we can export over there.”
Kehoe says Italy is an important market for Missouri hardwood and leather exports. Kehoe says the trip focused on both imports and exports.
“We export a lot of hardwood products, think of wine barrels and other hardwoods, hardwood floors and a lot of leather products," Kehoe explains. "So, as you know, there's a lot of clothing and shoe manufacturing over there. So, Missouri does quite a bit of export business with them.”
Kehoe says the trip also included meetings with about 14 Italian companies that have operations in Missouri, allowing state leaders to thank them for their investment and discuss growth opportunities.
“We visit with companies who are looking to invest in the U.S. and create jobs and bring capital to our state," Kehoe says. "So, we got quite a few, what we call prospects, companies that we're working with, and we're excited to work with them and see if we can't bring them here to the U.S. and specifically to Missouri.”
Kehoe says the September trip included meetings with business leaders, government officials and companies considering future investment opportunities.
Missourinet