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Press Release: State of Missouri signs first-ever trade agreement with province of Ontario, Gov. Nixon announces

TORONTO, Ontario – Gov. Jay Nixon announced today that Missouri’s trade mission to Canada has resulted in the state’s first-ever trade agreement with the province of Ontario. The agreement, signed today during a meeting with Ontario’s Premier, Kathleen Wynne, and Minister of Economic Development, Eric Hoskins, establishes a comprehensive framework for future trade, collaboration and economic growth between Missouri and Ontario, Canada’s largest province by population.

“The global marketplace is getting flatter and more competitive every day, and that’s why we continue to take a proactive approach to increasing exports and investments,” Gov. Nixon said. “Ontario purchased $2.6 billion in Missouri goods last year, and today’s agreement sets a framework for more trade with this important market. As Missouri’s economy picks up steam, strengthening mutually beneficial ties with longtime trading partners like Ontario will help us continue to create good jobs for Missourians at home.”

The agreement, signed by Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Mike Downing, states that Missouri and Ontario will seek opportunities to expand collaboration, trade and investment and enhance regional and bi-national competitiveness.

The Governor is leading a delegation of Missouri businesses and state officials to Canada, Missouri’s largest export market. Yesterday, Gov. Nixon announced that the State of Missouri had signed a $3.2 billion agreement with the province of Quebec.

While in Toronto, Gov. Nixon has held meetings with government officials as well as major Canadian companies that have or may be considering investments in Missouri, including Magna International and BMO Financial. This morning, the Governor addressed the American Chamber of Commerce in Toronto about how Missouri’s diverse economy, stable business climate and highly-skilled workforce make the state an ideal place for Canadian businesses to locate and expand.