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Governor Daugaard Encourages Businesses To Apply For Trip To China

After a successful trade mission to China last spring, Governor Dennis Daugaard is leading a second mission in April. The governor is now encouraging South Dakota businesses to apply for the trip.

The four business leaders who accompanied Governor Daugaard on his first trade mission all came back to South Dakota with signed contracts and new relationships. Because of that trip’s success, a second mission is scheduled for April 5th through the 12th. Governor’s Office of Economic Development Marketing and Public Relations Director Mary Lehecka says the trip opens many doors and provides learning opportunities for South Dakota companies.

“I think that the purpose for the second trade mission is… we’ve gotten a lot of interest from companies that have expressed an interest in China and we also know that the governor is committed to expanding our international opportunities. And so we’ve really focused on that one country and we know that China has great potential for us so it just makes sense for us to go back to China, says Lehecka”

Because 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power is outside of the United States, Lehecka says the trip will allow South Dakota companies to grow on an international level. Applications for the mission were released by the governor’s office yesterday. The governor will invite up to 15 companies to attend.  For South Dakota Public Broadcasting, I'm Jilanne Doom.