DES MOINES, IOWA (June 20, 2023) — Governor Kim Reynolds will depart for a two-week long trade mission to Italy, Kosovo, and Israel aimed at expanding trade, developing business-growth opportunities, and renewing Sister State Agreements.
She will be joined by First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds, Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham, and Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Stephen Osborn. The mission concludes on Saturday, July 1.
“Italy, Kosovo, and Israel hold great promise for Iowa in terms of trade and investment,” said Gov Reynolds. “The trade mission will focus on expanding opportunities with existing business partners and promoting Iowa to companies interested in establishing a US presence. With one of the strongest and most resilient economies in the country and a workforce well-known for its skill and productivity, there is no better time to position Iowa as a strong global partner.”
Mission highlights include meetings with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Veneto Region Vice President Elisa De Berti, Italian businesses with significant investments in the State of Iowa, President Vjosa Osamani-Sadriu of the Republic of Kosovo, Kosovan ministers and business leaders, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog of Israel, and more than seventy Israeli businesses and investors in the insurance and agriculture sectors.
“Through trade missions like this one, we build important economic relationships, promote Iowa's growth in key industries, such as insurance technology and agriculture technology, and open our businesses to new opportunities in expanding markets beyond the United States,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority.
“This trade mission is a wonderful way to amplify the upcoming 30th Anniversary of the State Partnership Program, that links a State National Guard with a partner nation. The Iowa National Guard has built and maintained a strong relationship with Kosovo, our SPP nation, for over eleven years, using a ‘Whole of Iowa, Whole of Kosovo’ approach,” said Iowa Adjutant General, Maj Gen Osborn. “Our partnership enhances transatlantic security, strengthens regional stability, and at the same time provides lasting community connections across the state of Iowa. We are honored to assist in the hosting of Gov Reynolds during her visit to Kosovo.”
