Dec 20, 2024 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Governor Mike Parson has completed his final trade mission of his administration. Last week, the Governor and his wife made a trip to the Republic of Panama with the goal of the mission to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri's strong capacity for trade.
Over the past six years, Governor Parson has led ten trade delegations to 18 countries, which has resulted in more than 1,500 new jobs and over $3 billion in business investments for the State of Missouri. An additional seven projects that is expected to total over $650 million in investment and more than 600 new jobs are in the works with hopes of being finalized in the coming months.
In a press release from the Governor's Office of Communications, Governor Parson says:
"From the very beginning, our administration's top priorities have been infrastructure and workforce development. Together, these initiatives grow our state's economy and create opportunities for Missourians to live their American Dream. Whether it was here at home or in Germany, Israel, Australia, or anywhere in between, we never stopped advocating for our state on behalf of Missourians, and we are extremely proud that our trade delegations have helped bring over $3 billion in business investment and more than 1,500 new job opportunities to hardworking Missourians, their families, and our communities."
During each trade mission and meeting with business leaders, Governor Parson advanced Missouri's standing by highlighting its central location, low taxes, thriving economy, a well-trained and dedicated workforce, and the state's strong and improving infrastructure. Governor Parson always made it a point to include Missouri business leaders, bipartisan elected officials, and cabinet leaders as members of his delegations to provide their direct knowledge and experience in all Missouri has to offer to prospective investors.
Samples of Success
After Governor Parson's Trade Mission to Germany, in January 2024, Frogfish Corp., a German security company specializing in surveillance cameras and other safety products, announced plans to open an office in St. Louis. This will be the company's first location in North America. Missouri's central location and the partnership and support given by the state of Missouri made St. Louis a top choice for the company.
After Governor Parson's Trade Mission to France, in April 2022, Leonardo DRS, a leading provider of defense products and technologies, announced that it would expand its manufacturing campus in West Plains. The expansion was secured after a public-private partnership was established to construct a new overpass to address concerns affecting logistics and efficiency.
A complete list of Governor Parson's Trade Missions are shown below:
· France, Germany, and Switzerland - June/July 2019
· Australia - August 2019
· California - September 2019
· United Kingdom and Ireland - March 2022
· Germany and the Netherlands - July 2022
· Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Greece - November 2022
· Germany and Sweden - March 2023
· Japan - October 2023
· Italy - May 2024
· United Kingdom and Belgium - July 2024
· Panama - August 2024
