Governor Tom Vilsack leaves Friday on a trade mission to New Zealand. Vilsack says while New Zealand and Iowa share an interest in livestock, the trip’s aim is to explore opportunities in the biotech field. Vilsack will meet with New Zealand’s Prime Minister to “discuss ways that country and our state can develop a real close relationship.” Vilsack says New Zealand has enacted some economic development patterned after Iowa programs. Vilsack says there’s already a close relationship and he’s confident his trip will cement business ties between New Zealand and Iowa. Vilsack met last summer in Washington, D.C. with New Zealand officials, a meeting he says paved the way for this trip. Representatives from Iowa commodity groups, Iowa universities, and members of Iowa’s business community will be on the mission, too.
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