Governor Jim Pillen has wrapped up a weeklong trade mission to Japan and the Philippines aimed at expanding markets for Nebraska agriculture and renewable fuels. Pillen says the trip focused on promoting Nebraska beef, pork and wheat, growing export opportunities for ethanol, and building energy partnerships with key U.S. allies in Asia while reducing reliance on China.
The final day included meetings with executives from San Miguel Corporation, one of the Philippines’ largest companies and an importer of Nebraska food products, along with talks with Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin about expanding the use of Nebraska-produced ethanol.
The Nebraska delegation also participated in the World Food Expo in Manila, where Pillen joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the opening of a new U.S. products exhibit and helped showcase Nebraska beef during a live cooking demonstration.
State Senator Rita Sanders, Nebraska ethanol leaders, and members of the Nebraska Beef Council joined the governor on the trip. Pillen says the mission strengthened relationships with customers in both Japan and the Philippines and created new opportunities for Nebraska businesses to expand exports in growing international markets.
(Photo: Governor Pillen’s Office)