South Dakota Trade Delegation Visits Japan, South Korea

Several top state officials are taking part in a South Dakota Trade mission to Japan and South Korea.

Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen is leading the delegation. He’s joined by Ag Secretary Hunter Roberts, Governor’s Office of Economic Development Commissioner Bill Even, South Dakota Trade President Jesse Fonkert as well as several business industry leaders.

Officials say the mission aims to strengthen commercial relationships with two of the nation’s most important allies in Asia. Both Japan and South Korea are top soybean export markets.

“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,” Venhuizen said. “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.”

South Dakota Trade coordinates several missions like this each year. Recent delegations visited Mexico, Ireland, Canada and South Africa.