Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke and a delegation of 20 members have completed a successful trade mission to Colombia. The mission aimed to encourage trade development, strengthen business relationships, and identify opportunities to expand export markets [434055b1]. Colombia, with a population of 52 million people, is the fourth largest economy in Latin America. In 2022, Iowa exported $549 million in goods to Colombia, with corn, pork, beef, soybeans, soybean meal, ethanol, and dried distillers grains being the main exports. The trade relationship between the United States and Colombia has been growing rapidly over the past decade and holds even greater potential [434055b1].
During the mission, the Iowa delegation had meetings to promote Iowa's agricultural products and held events with government officials, importers, and processors. The trade discussions were organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in collaboration with in-country partners and U.S. agricultural organizations. The delegation aimed to strengthen business ties and explore new opportunities for Iowa's agricultural exports in Colombia [434055b1].
The trade mission to Colombia is part of Iowa's efforts to expand its international trade and agricultural development. By exploring new export markets and fostering strong business relationships, Iowa aims to drive economic growth and create opportunities for its agricultural sector. The successful completion of the trade mission signifies the potential for increased trade between Iowa and Colombia, benefiting both economies [434055b1].
Meanwhile, the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development is investing $1 million in South Dakota Trade, a public-private partnership that aims to help businesses grow South Dakota’s overseas sales and support high-quality jobs in the state. South Dakota Trade has already assisted companies in securing over $3 million in direct sales and provided education to over 70 international trade practitioners [c0d106cc]. Governor Kristi Noem states that over 27,000 South Dakotans are employed by jobs directly supported by exports. Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden and Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary Hunter Roberts were part of a trade mission to Mexico with SD Trade, which has already resulted in a 50-to-1 return on investment for South Dakota’s economy. The $1 million investment will expand the service offerings of SD Trade and enable them to continue growing South Dakota’s economy [c0d106cc].
These trade missions to Latin America and Mexico highlight the efforts of Iowa and South Dakota to expand their international trade and strengthen business relationships. By investing in trade opportunities and participating in trade missions, both states aim to drive economic growth, create jobs, and increase exports. The success of these missions demonstrates the potential for increased trade and mutually beneficial partnerships between the United States and Latin American countries, as well as Mexico [434055b1] [c0d106cc].
In addition to trade missions, South Dakota is taking steps to further explore global trade opportunities. A new committee of 75 people is forming in South Dakota to discuss global events and seek new opportunities for overseas trade. The committee is part of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) and aims to define and strengthen America's role in worldwide governmental, economic, and diplomatic affairs [62a18277]. The South Dakota state advisory committee of USGLC is the 33rd state chapter to advise the national group. The committee will focus on educating and informing the U.S. and international communities about South Dakota's contributions to the economy and providing access to senior leaders and decision-makers. The committee will be co-chaired by former South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Jim Abbott, former president of the University of South Dakota. The launch of the advisory committee in South Dakota is timely, as the state heavily relies on trade, with 1 in 5 jobs related to trade and $12 billion in agricultural products exported each year. The committee aims to create new pathways for South Dakota leaders to share the state's success story with governmental and industry leaders in the U.S. and around the world. The bipartisan nature of the USGLC is important to its success, allowing members to focus on maintaining a strong American presence in global affairs and advocating for a strong international affairs budget within the federal government [62a18277].
Army Col. Andrea Thompson of Sioux Falls will serve on the new South Dakota advisory committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), a bipartisan national group that seeks to define and strengthen America's role in worldwide governmental, economic and diplomatic affairs. The South Dakota state advisory committee of USGLC is the 33rd state chapter to advise the national group. The committee aims to expand knowledge and understanding of global affairs and the worldwide marketplace, provide South Dakota businesses and individuals with opportunities to expand into new international markets, and create new lines of communication with leaders in other states, in Washington, and across the world. The committee will be co-chaired by former South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Jim Abbott, former president of the University of South Dakota. The launch of the new state chapter took place during a global affairs conference in Sioux Falls on March 27, with speakers including U.S. Sen. John Thune, former South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard, and Col. Thompson [2878c204].
The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) has launched its first South Dakota advisory committee, aimed at bolstering exports from the state. The bipartisan coalition, which includes business and community leaders, nonprofits, faith groups, and veterans, aims to promote diplomacy policies that keep America a global leader. South Dakota Senator John Thune highlighted the importance of agriculture in the state and its role in feeding the world. The newly launched South Dakota Advisory Committee hopes to create new opportunities for South Dakota to bolster trade and continue America’s role as a global leader [71118658].