Gov. Parson headed to Israel, Greece to strengthen business with Missouri

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson will travel in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul in early December, although he will be evangelizing for trade instead of souls. He will visit Israel and Greece on an international trade mission, his office announced.

“As governor, I look forward to meeting with our partners in Israel and Greece to strengthen relationships and broaden our state’s global trade opportunities,” he said. “Countries around the world already purchase billions of dollars in Missouri-made products each year. We’re thrilled to again represent our state to international officials and companies while promoting Missouri as an ideal business location.”

Parson will be overseas for what will be his third international trade mission from December 2 to 11. He will meet with representatives from companies both with and without existing relationships in Missouri to promote the state. The governor went to France, Germany, and Switzerland during his first overseas trade mission in 2019. He then went to Australia later that same year.

The Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri non-profit organization, funded the trip.

• In Israel, Parson’s meetings will include SIBAT, the International Defense Cooperation Directorate of the Israel Ministry of Defense and the deputy chief of Mission Michael Ratney of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. He also will participate in an ag-tech roundtable in Tel Aviv.
• Parson is slated to receive economic briefings from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Embassy Israeli Country team.
• While in Greece, Parson will be a keynote speaker at the Greek Economic Summit and participate in a roundtable discussion with Greek CEOs hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce.
• Parson will meet with Geoffrey R. Pyatt, the U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, representatives from agricultural startups and the U.S. Consul General in Thessaloniki, Liz Lee.

In 2020, Israel accounted for nearly $54 million in exports and Greece for more than $12 million, according to the governor’s office.