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.

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