News Release

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced today that Hank Ma, Missouri’s Taiwan trade office director, will be visiting Missouri on May 24-June 6, 2009 to meet with agricultural-related firms, manufacturers and service companies interested in expanding sales in Taiwan and Vietnam. The Taiwan office, a program of MDA, has been successful in assisting with many types of exports into markets abroad.

“This is an opportunity for Missouri companies to meet with a representative that works on the ground in Taiwan to expand their sales growth and export markets in Taiwan and Vietnam,” said Dr. Jon Hagler, director of MDA. “With more than 95% of the world’s consumers living outside of the U.S., Missouri exports provide a viable option for companies to expand their sales. Mr. Ma understands Missouri products and companies and can provide market insight and buyer contact information to agriculture businesses right here at home.”

Taiwan continues to be the 6^th largest market and the 2^nd largest per capita consumer of U.S. agricultural products. The Department of Agriculture’s Taiwan office has been active and successful assisting Missouri companies with expanding Missouri sales to Taiwan and Vietnam since 1990.

Vietnam is a rapidly developing country. Rising incomes coupled with a growing tourism industry provides markets for processed and value-added food products. Vietnam’s shift from backyard livestock production to more commercial production increases opportunities for Missouri’s grain and feed ingredient companies. In addition, their growing furniture manufacturing sector is a market for Missouri’s hardwoods. In 2008, Vietnam imported over $15 million in agricultural products from Missouri, up from just over $7.2 million in 2004.

Agriculture-related businesses in Missouri interested in meeting with Mr. Ma can contact (573) 751-4339. To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit www.mda.mo.gov.