Gov. Ricketts Hosts Inaugural Council for International Relations Meeting
Media Contact:
Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970
Luke Robson, 402-471-1967
LINCOLN – On Monday, Governor Pete Ricketts hosted the inaugural meeting of the newly-established Nebraska Governor’s Council for International Relations. The Governor announced the formation of the council in July to bring together Nebraska business, agriculture, and education groups to expand overseas trade opportunities and develop new international partnerships for the state.
The Governor has identified three goals for the council. They include:
- Develop comprehensive long-term strategies to expand existing trade relationships and promote new ones.
- Support growing partnerships and identify new opportunities to collaborate with overseas counterparts.
- Leverage our combined resources to grow current investments in Nebraska and explore prospects for future investment.
The first annual meeting focused on setting objectives for the next year based on the council’s goals, establishing a framework for further cooperation, and briefing the member organizations on the upcoming 50th Annual Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference, which will be held in Omaha in September 2018.
ABOUT THE NEBRASKA GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL REALTIONS
“International trade and engagement is a crucial part of our state’s long-term growth. Whether it takes the form of beef exports, inbound foreign direct investment, or student and cultural exchanges, Nebraska’s relations overseas bring great benefit to the entire state,” said Governor Ricketts at the launch of the council in July 2017. “My administration is continuously pursuing new strategies for expanding international markets, attracting new investment, and building the state’s profile overseas, and we are committed to maintaining a competitive edge in a global economy. The Nebraska Governor’s Council for International Relations will help us take the next step to grow trade for Nebraska by leveraging our combined resources to grow current investments in Nebraska and explore prospects for future partnerships.”
Groups and individuals participating in the council include:
- BioNebraska
- Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
- Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
- Midwest International Trade Association
- Nebraska Beef Council
- Nebraska Business Development Center
- Nebraska Cattlemen
- Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Nebraska Corn Board
- Nebraska Department of Agriculture
- Nebraska Department of Economic Development
- Nebraska Department of Education
- Nebraska Diplomats
- Nebraska District Export Council
- Nebraska Dry Bean Commission
- Nebraska Ethanol Board
- Nebraska Farm Bureau
- Nebraska Pork Producers
- Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale
- Nebraska Sorghum Board
- Nebraska Soybean Board
- Nebraska Tourism Commission
- Nebraska Wheat Board
- University of Nebraska
- U.S. Commercial Service – Omaha
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