Hank Ma, Missouri's Taiwan trade office director, will be visiting the state May 24 through June 6 to meet with agricultural-related firms, manufacturers and service companies interested in expanding sales in Taiwan and Vietnam. The Taiwan office, a program of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, 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," says 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 sixth largest market and the second largest per capita consumer of U.S. agricultural products.

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 call (573) 751-4339. To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit www.mda.mo.gov.