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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2026
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Governor Mike Kehoe will lead a Missouri delegation on an economic development trade mission to Italy, with the purpose of promoting Missouri as the prime destination for global business investment and expansion. The Governor will depart Missouri for Italy on September 17 and conclude meetings on September 23.
During his third international trade mission, Governor Kehoe and the Missouri delegation will meet with various business leaders, government officials, and diplomats to strengthen existing relationships with international partners and strategically recruit future investment.
“We are looking forward to this important opportunity to strengthen relationships with Italian businesses and highlight the many advantages Missouri offers companies looking to invest and expand," said Governor Kehoe. "This trade mission is just one of the many ways our team is aggressively working to help Missouri businesses reach new markets and grow jobs and opportunity for Missourians back home. We look forward to building new partnerships, expanding economic opportunities, and demonstrating why our state is a prime destination for business investment."
Meetings with leaders of companies that already have locations in Missouri include Prysmian, Fiocchi, Serioplast, RB Group and Bertagni, among others. Also planned are meetings with prospect companies, the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, the President of the Lombardy Region, and a reception honoring the Missouri delegation with the U.S. Consul General.
Governor and Mrs. Kehoe will be joined on the trip by Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Michelle Hataway, Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Chris Chinn, partners with the Hawthorn Foundation and Missouri Partnership, as well as Missouri State Senator Jamie Burger and State Representative Doyle Justus.
Italy Highlights
Italy is a key trade partner for Missouri, with $219 million in Missouri-made exports in 2025. Leather and allied products, chemicals, and machinery were among the exported goods in highest demand. Exports to Italy were up 46% between 2024 and 2025. Missouri imported nearly $460 million worth of goods from Italy in 2025, marking the state’s 8th largest import partner. Machinery, fabricated metal and chemicals are among the most imported items. Currently, 14 Italian companies are operating in Missouri including Buzzi Unicem, DRS Technologies, Max-Air, and Nexturbo.
Italy was last visited by a Missouri delegation during a trade mission led by Governor Mike Parson in May 2024.
During Governor Kehoe's absence, Lieutenant Governor Wasinger will serve as
Acting Governor, allowing him to exercise certain gubernatorial powers with written
consent of the Governor.
The Governor's participation in trade missions is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization that supports the work of the Missouri Partnership and its mission to attract new businesses to the state.
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