LINCOLN – In just over a week, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly will lead a trade delegation of more than 20 people to Indonesia. The week-and-a-half-long visit will include representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), the University of Nebraska, and several representatives of Nebraska agricultural producers.
“Indonesia is a rapidly growing and major market for Nebraska agricultural exports,” said Lt. Governor Kelly. “We are pleased to tap into this vibrant market and build a new partnership that will directly benefit Nebraska’s economy.”
The first day of activities on July 15 will feature a briefing from the U.S. Embassy. Other notable activities on the trip will include participating in the Indian Livestock Expo and Forum, touring the Southeast Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology Center, meeting with the Indonesian Beef Importers Association, and visiting dairy farms, feed mills and gas stations. Other stops will provide an opportunity to showcase Nebraska’s high-quality beef, pork, soy and other food products. Last fall, Nebraska beef was featured on the highly popular cooking competition show “MasterChef Indonesia.”
Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the fourth most populous country in the world, offering significant economic development opportunities. Indonesia is a top 10 export market for Nebraska with a $139 million dollar footprint and a rapidly expanding GDP and population. Lt. Governor Kelly and the delegation will meet with government officials, business leaders and stakeholders to highlight Nebraska’s value to Indonesia.
“We are uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for agricultural products and identify new opportunities to partner with Indonesia in the future,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Shelley Vinton. “The best thing about Nebraska is our people. Meeting face-to-face with new trading partners will produce short-term and long-term results. We are laying the foundation for generations to come.”
The trade mission concludes July 24. Initially, the mission was to be led by Gov. Jim Pillen. But with a special conference scheduled to immediately follow the trade mission, the governor last week asked Lt. Gov. Kelly to lead the mission in his stead.
