Missouri gov. plans weeklong Asia trade mission

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is planning a nearly weeklong trade mission to Taiwan and South Korea.

The trip is scheduled from Dec. 10 to Dec. 16. Nixon is to start in Taiwan and travel to South Korea on Dec. 14. First Lady Georganne Nixon, two state department directors, business leaders and several trade and agriculture commodity group officials are traveling with the governor.

The trip's focus is to sign a letter of intent for Taiwanese businesses and industry groups to buy about $120 million of Missouri products over the next five years. Last year, Missouri's exports to the island were valued at $69 million.

In South Korea, Nixon plans to meet with the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry an visit Missouri troops stationed in South Korea.