(JEFFERSON CITY, MO)???Governor Mike Parson has concluded his second international Trade Mission. Aligning with the administration?s focus on infrastructure and workforce development, a primary goal of the mission was to examine the feasibility of using an infrastructure asset recycling program in Missouri to raise revenue and strengthen the state?s infrastructure.

Governor Parson traveled to Melbourne and Sydney where he engaged with infrastructure leaders, met with worldwide businesses executives, and highlighted Missouri an as ideal location for business.?

?It was a privilege to again represent our state abroad and discuss building upon Missouri?s working relationships with Australian businesses, discover areas we can improve existing programs and infrastructure, and develop new courses of action to better serve Missourians,? Governor Parson said. ?The Trade Mission provided another great opportunity to promote our strong economy, thriving industries, and all Missouri has to offer businesses looking to grow and expand internationally.?

Highlights from?Melbourne

Governor Parson attended a delegation meeting with the Governor of Victoria and other?government officials?to discuss successful infrastructure?asset recycling programs brought forth by the Department of Transport and Department of Treasury and Finance. They also discussed Missouri and Australia's shared manufacturing interests in aerospace and defense.

Governor Parson met with company executives with existing relationships in Missouri, such as BlueScope Steel, to thank them for their investment in the state.?BlueScope has more than 100 facilities in 18 countries, including three Missouri facilities located in Kansas City, Grandview, and Saint Joseph. The Governor also met with companies without a presence in Missouri to encourage them to consider the state for any future investment plans.

Governor Parson participated in two roundtables with international business leaders to discuss investment and workforce development opportunities in Missouri. The Governor?also joined a panel with agriculture industry officials to discuss ag-tech trends and investments in the United States and the important role Missouri plays in the U.S. economy.

Highlights from Sydney

Governor Parson met with business leaders from Macquarie Group, Boeing Defense Australia, Western City and Aerotropolis Authority, and Infrastructure Australia.

Additionally,?Governor Parson visited with dignitaries about infrastructure asset recycling, including the Deputy Secretary of Infrastructure and Structured Finance with the New South Wales Treasury, the Premier and Deputy Premier of New South Wales, and the U.S. Consul General.

Governor Parson also participated in a roundtable with CEOs and directors to highlight how the administration?s objectives are being achieved through a strong focus on workforce development and infrastructure.?

The Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri non-profit organization, funded the trip.

For more highlights from the Trade Mission, follow @GovMikeParson?on Facebook and @GovParsonMO on Twitter.

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