Photo credit: Nebraska Office of the Governor.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen concluded a trade mission to Japan and the Philippines focused on expanding export opportunities for the state's agricultural and energy sectors, including beef, pork, wheat and ethanol.
According to the governor's office, the mission emphasized strengthening relationships with key U.S. allies in Asia while promoting Nebraska as a supplier of food, fuel and energy products.
"Japan routinely ranks among Nebraska's top customers for beef, pork and other agricultural products," Pillen said. "Meanwhile, the Philippines has a fast-developing market economy and a growing appetite for U.S. food and fuel."
The final day of the mission included meetings with San Miguel Corp., a Philippine conglomerate with about 60,000 employees that imports food products from Nebraska, and with Sharon Garin, secretary of the Philippines Department of Energy.
Leaders from Nebraska ethanol companies joined Pillen during the energy meeting to highlight the state's low-carbon ethanol production and discuss opportunities to expand ethanol exports to the Philippines.
"There is immense potential for Nebraska's ethanol plants to meet the fuel needs of the Philippine market," said DJ Eihusen of Chief Ethanol. "Additionally, there are great opportunities for Nebraska ethanol to partner with global energy producers. The carbon we're capturing can be used to make cleaner gases that meet the energy needs of customers in Asia."
State Sen. Rita Sanders, who participated in the trade mission, said the trip helped promote Nebraska's food and ethanol industries while raising the state's profile in international markets.
The delegation also attended the World Food Expo in the Philippines, where Pillen joined U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the opening of a new booth promoting U.S. agricultural products.
During the event, Pillen and the Nebraska Beef Council participated in a live cooking demonstration showcasing Nebraska beef to Filipino consumers.
"As the Philippines' middle class grows, more families are buying beef and in greater quantities," said Rosmary Anderson, a Nebraska Beef Council board member. "Nebraska is in a wonderful position to be a preferred provider to Philippine importers as they seek to meet rising demand for beef."
The trade mission concluded with a USDA-hosted reception and a dinner with the Philippines' Meat Importers and Traders Association.
Pillen said the visit created new opportunities for Nebraska businesses to expand exports to Japan and the Philippines while reinforcing the state's position as a supplier of agricultural products and renewable fuels.
Source: Nebraska Office of the Governor, "Governor Pillen Concludes Successful Trade Mission to Japan and the Philippines"