WATERTOWN, S.D. – Among the news coming out of the recent South Dakota Governor’s Agricultural Summit was the announcement of an upcoming trade mission.
Luke Lindberg, president and CEO of South Dakota Trade, a company that navigates international trade deals, announced a South Dakota delegation will be on a trade mission to Mexico in September.
The South Dakota delegation will include Hunter Roberts, Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“Mexico is our number two nation we trade with, observed Roberts. “Luke has done a good job. He has more expertise in the trade world than what South Dakota has ever had. It’s an exciting time, it’s the right time.”
Roberts was asked what untapped trade potential exists with Mexico.
“On the biotech side there’s a ton of untapped potential. And in general commodities, there is potential there too. Biofuels could be a growth area and the expansion of aquaculture.”
Roberts was asked who’ll be part of the South Dakota delegation.
“From the state, Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden will lead the delegation,” he said. “South Dakota Trade will have staffers attending and I assume we’ll have commodity-type groups represented.” He added, “The main people attending are business owners. Those are the people who we need to make sure that when they have an open door, they can make deals.”
The trade mission to Mexico City will be September 25th thru the 29th. Roberts says they’d like to see about two trade missions per year going forward.
