Governor Greg Gianforte is currently on a trade mission in South Korea aimed at fostering economic ties and investment opportunities between Montana and South Korea.
UPDATE: October 20 at 3:45 p.m.
Governor Greg Gianforte met with South Korean business leaders and officials to promote Montana’s commodities and industries.
The governor started his day at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, discussing U.S.-Korea relations and Montana’s objectives, including promoting exports of wheat, beef and energy. He also explored opportunities in quantum, photonics and bioscience.
“South Korea is an important partner for Montana, and our delegation is here to build stronger trade relationships while showcasing the innovation, quality, and resources our state has to offer,” Gianforte said in a release.
Gianforte later met with Prime Minister Minseok Kim to discuss economic cooperation. The governor highlighted Montana’s natural resources and potential educational partnerships through the Mansfield Center.
“Montana may be small in population, but we are rich in resources, innovation, and opportunity,” he said.
The visit included a luncheon with major energy companies including NavEnergy, emphasizing Montana’s commitment to responsible mining and secure energy supply.
Montana exported $353 million in goods to South Korea in 2024, including wheat, beef, and energy resources, Gianforte added in the release.
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte announced he will lead a trade mission to South Korea and Japan, focusing on Montana’s agricultural, manufacturing, photonics and bioscience industries.
The mission, scheduled from October 19 to October 25 aims to strengthen economic ties with these key trading partners. This visit follows a similar mission to Taiwan two years ago.
Gianforte highlighted the strong bond between Montana and these nations, saying, “Montana has shared a strong bond with Japan and South Korea forged through educational exchanges, the trade of our high-quality commodities and our shared respect for history and cultural exchange.”
Montana’s trade relationship with Japan has deep roots, dating back to Ambassador Mike Mansfield’s efforts in 1982, Governor Gianforte said in a release.
Korea and Japan consistently rank among Montana’s top five trading partners, with Korea purchasing over $335 million in goods in 2024 and Japan buying over $265 million.
During the mission, Gianforte will meet with federal leadership and various partners in the region. Mako Sakaguchi, with nearly 25 years of experience, serves as the official representative to the Montana Trade Office in Japan.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: October 19 at 4:30 p.m.
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