Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds will lead a delegation of Iowa business leaders on a trade mission to Argentina and Uruguay in October.
“During my time as lieutenant governor I’ve had an amazing opportunity to represent Iowa and to lead trade missions around the world to countries like China and Brazil and South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand, just to name a few,” Reynolds says. “In Iowa we know that one in five jobs is attributed to our ability to export Iowa products.”
A new president took office in Argentina in December. He is reversing 13 years of isolationist policies, hoping to attract new business to Argentina.
“I’m proud to say that Iowa will be one of the first states returning to Argentina on a trade mission since the markets have opened up under President Macri’s administration,” Reynolds says. “This is great news for Iowa companies who are looking to establish relationships and begin the opportunity of exploring new markets in Argentina.”
The trade mission starts October 1 and the group will return October 8. Uruguay — the other stop — has a “market-oriented economy,” according to Reynolds.
“Many different Iowa companies that manufacture machinery and equipment should find the Urguay portion of the trade mission to be a very beneficial opportunity for their business,” Reynolds says.
Reynolds says she’ll take the necessary precautions to protect herself against mosquito bites — to avoid contracting the Zika virus.
“I’ve made the decision, we’ve made the decision to participate,” Reynolds says. “I’m fine with that.”
She says Iowa business executives considering the trip should consult with their own doctors to decide what the risks might be. Space in this trade mission is “somewhat limited” and Reynolds says applications to participate are due by August 1.