Governor Gregoire’s Trade Mission to Asia Opens Doors for Washington Business

For Immediate Release: October 16, 2006

Day one in South Korea highlights Washington agriculture, business

SEOUL, South Korea – Governor Chris Gregoire met with South Korean government and business officials on topics ranging from agriculture to medical science on the first day of her trade mission to Asia.

“South Korea is an important trading partner with Washington and we made clear to those we met here that our state is open for business,” said Governor Gregoire. “We have a lot to offer the global economy, with our high quality agricultural products, award-winning research institutions and innovative companies and products.”

Governor Gregoire and members of her business delegation met with a Korean pharmaceutical company that has operations in Washington. They promoted Washington agricultural products at a restaurant and a Costco store, and met with the chairperson of ECONET, a natural products company with operations in Lacey.

“Business leaders are appreciative of the personal visit by Governor Gregoire,” said Juli Wilkerson, Director of the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. “They know the Washington reputation for quality and are eager to learn more about how our state can meet their needs.”

The delegation includes 80 representatives from the business, education, agriculture and tourism fields. Senator Paull Shin, agriculture department director Valoria Loveland and Wilkerson also are accompanying Governor Gregoire.

“There is no better way to sell Washington potatoes and other agricultural products than to visit with our customers in person,” said Angela Pixton, a member of the Washington State Potato Commission. “This mission has opened up a new dialogue to increase our market potential in Asia.”

The goals of this trade mission directly address Governor Gregoire’s The Next Washington economic plan, which calls for enhancing Washington’s edge in the global marketplace.

###