JEFFERSON CITY — To strengthen Missouri’s business relationships with overseas entities and learn more about international trade, Sen. Joe Keaveny, D-St. Louis, embarked on a trip to Taiwan with several other policy makers and recently returned home to St. Louis. While on the trip, Sen. Keaveny toured numerous manufacturing companies, as well as economic and political associations.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to visit the great country of Taiwan and learn about a new culture and different ways of conducting business,” Sen. Keaveny said. “No matter the differences between our cultures and how many miles separate us, people all around the world have a similar mission to earn a comfortable living and provide for their families.”

While on the journey, Sen. Keaveny and his travel companions visited with several businesses and organizations, including the American State Offices Association (ASOA). The group also discussed international trade conducted with the United States and the state of Missouri. Missouri has a strong reputation for its exports. Last March, the governor’s administration signed agreements with two Taiwanese trade organizations to sell $700 million in Missouri goods to Taiwan over the next four years: a $200 million agreement between the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Taiwan Feed Industry Association, and a $500 million agreement between the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council.

As there is no official political recognition of Taiwan, the ASOA serves as a trade facilitator between the two countries. Missouri, particularly the MDA, is served by the ASOA to facilitate long-term commercial relations and promote economic interests with participating states. Missouri is one of 12 states with an established international presence in Taiwan.

“It’s very important for Missouri to maintain and invest in good business relationships, and Taiwan helps increase demand for Missouri products and helps our state achieve a profitable job market,” Sen. Keaveny said. “I’m thankful for Missouri’s beneficial friendship with Taiwan, and I’m glad we have the chance to help advance each other’s economies and create a better quality of life for our citizens.”

Left to Right: American State Offices Association meeting with Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg; Sen. Keaveny; and State of Missouri Department of Agriculture Asia Pacific Office Director Hank Ma.