News Releases for May 2004
May 19, 2004
Contact: Lance Gaebe, Governor's Office (701) 328-1048
Linda Butts, Department of Commerce (701) 328-5300
Taiwan/Japan Trade Mission Producing Results
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the trade mission, led by Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple last March, is producing results. Eight of the 12 North Dakota businesses have already sent shipments or signed contracts with Taiwan and Japan.
According to Hoeven, Unity Seed of Casselton is shipping 1,500 metric tons of non-GMO soybeans to Japan to be used for Natto, a Japanese delicacy.
"There is no question the trade mission was a catalyst in sparking this very large sale to Japan," said Dave Morken, sales manager of Unity Seed.
As a direct result of the trade mission, Superior Grains, Crosby, has shipped 20 containers of peas to Asia. Arrowtech of Rolla shipped two orders of radiation detectors to Taiwan and Cal-Dak Cabinets, Minot, shipped cabinetry for homes being constructed in Japan.
Dalrymple, encouraged by the success of this mission, would like to see more private-public collaborative efforts in the future with the North Dakota Trade Office taking the lead in identifying new market opportunities for businesses in North Dakota. "Identifying overseas opportunities and matching those opportunities to businesses in North Dakota will help expand the amount of new money coming into our economy and help our state become more globally competitive," Dalrymple said.
Peterson Farms Seed, near Prosper, joined Unity Seed today in shipping a container of soybeans to tofu manufacturers in Taiwan. Carl Peterson, president of Peterson Farms Seed said today's joint shipment is the result of discussions the two companies had with Taiwan's Tofu Buyers Association while in Taiwan.
"The trade mission has opened completely new markets for our company, representing significant new growth opportunities and offsetting the highly competitive domestic market," said Peterson. "When these soybeans pass the quality test, it should result in significant shipments to Taiwan."
"The container being shipped today, along with other shipments and contracts resulting from the trade mission, represent real opportunity for our export economy," said Hoeven. "North Dakota businesses are tapping into the enormous trade potential of growing markets in Asia and throughout the world, resulting in new wealth, higher paying jobs and a more diversified economy for our state."
The North Dakota Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Trade Office, in collaboration with local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, will hold roundtable discussions across the state with current and future exporters to solidify recommendations.
"The North Dakota Trade Office has been asked to identify both barriers and opportunities to exporting in North Dakota and report back to the legislature on the outcome," said Susan Geib, executive director of the North Dakota Trade Office. "With this information, we will be able to take the appropriate action based on exporters' needs."
Export Roundtables are scheduled for May 26 in Bismarck and Minot, May 27 in Williston, June 1 in Jamestown, June 2 in Wahpeton and Grand Forks, June 3 in Fargo, and June 16 in Dickinson. All businesses currently shipping to foreign markets or wanting to ship to foreign markets are encouraged to attend.
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