Governor Minner Leads CSG Delegation to Australia

Governor Minner Leads CSG Delegation to Australia

Governor Ruth Ann Minner will lead a Council of State Governments delegation of legislators to Australia next week to meet with business exporters and top government officials to encourage them to explore or enhance their export activities in Delaware.

"This mission offers us an opportunity to increase our export business with Australia through aggressively promoting the First State and our Port of Wilmington," Gov. Minner said. "Last year, Delaware companies exported $11 million worth of products to Australia, and we want to help that number grow, in addition to exploring other opportunities for businesses that could benefit our state."

Governor Minner will meet with the Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, and members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly including the Hon. John Aquilina. Gov. Minner will also meet with executives from the Macquarie Bank, a pre-eminent provider of investment banking and financial services, including representatives from the company's infrastructure division.

In addition, Gov. Minner will talk with Australian meat exporters who currently utilize the Port of Wilmington, as well as other potential export partners, including citrus growers and other Australian meat exporters. These efforts are part of a strategy to not only attract new customers, but also retain existing customers at the Port.

In addition to Gov. Minner, the CSG Delegation includes Assemblyman Lynn Hettrick, Nevada, Delaware Representative Roger Roy (CSG Vice-Chairman), Senator Denise Ducheny, California and Senator Kevin Coughlin, Ohio. John Pastor, director of international trade with the Delaware Economic Development Office, also will accompany the Governor.

Gov. Minner leaves today for Australia and will return on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Gov. Minner has been involved with CSG since she was a state legislator and is currently serving as the organization's president. Delaware will host the CSG's annual meeting in Wilmington in December.

CSG is covering the costs associated with this trip, including hotel and airfare.

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