JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo, recently returned from a trade mission to China and South Korea. Senator Crawford was part of a delegation accompanying Missouri’s governor and first lady on the week-long trip, which included meetings with various government officials, business executives, potential investors and cultural and educational partners in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Seoul.
“Having just recently been sworn into the Missouri Senate, I was honored to be one of three state senators selected by the governor to accompany him and the first lady on their first overseas trade mission,” said Crawford. “Many people here in Missouri don’t realize that China and South Korea are two of our state’s largest export destinations. As such, fostering a strong international relationship with these countries is vital to the Show-Me State’s economic well-being and larger growth potential in Asian markets.”
During the trip, the Missouri delegation met with companies and organizations from the manufacturing, financial services, agriculture and internet retail industries. Joined by University of Missouri System President Mun Choi, delegates also met with alumni of Missouri’s higher education institutions.
“Missouri is well positioned to expand on the economic ties we already have with China and South Korea. In doing so, we’ll bring more Missouri products to Asian markets and attract new investment in our state, creating countless jobs for our citizens.”
Simply put, this trade mission was about showing the business and government leaders of China and South Korea why choosing Missouri, its products and its people continues to be, and will always be, a smart investment. I’m thankful to the governor for the opportunity to be a part of this effort, as well as for the incredible cultural experience it afforded.”