Gov. Sandoval discusses upcoming trade mission

Gov. Brian Sandoval on Wednesday met with members of the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce to discuss his upcoming trade mission to the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Korea.

At a luncheon at the Greenland Supermarket, Sandoval spoke about his goals for the mission: identifying opportunities for Nevada companies to export their products and services to growing Asian markets, and encouraging Chinese and South Korean investment in Nevada. Sandoval was joined by Steve Hill, director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development; Terry Wong, president of the Las Vegas Asian Chamber; and members of the trade mission business delegation.

The Sept. 15-26 trade mission is the first to be led by a Nevada governor to both countries. Nevada state and business delegates will seek to establish mutually beneficial relationships that will aid the state as it diversifies the economy and increases foreign direct investment.

"The timing couldn't be better for a Nevada trade mission to Asia," Sandoval said. "China's growing influence in our global economy, and the recent implementation of the Korean Free Trade Agreement, provide our state with unique opportunities to advance our economic diversification and foreign direct investment. I am proud to join our business delegation in representing Nevada to both countries."

Delegates on the trip include representatives from the state's natural resources, transportation and infrastructure sectors as well as from education and innovative research.

Business delegates participating in the mission include Robert Boyle, Tate Synder Kimsey Architects; Jerome Snyder, Mobility Inc.; Tom Piechota, UNLV; Krys Bart, Reno-Tahoe International Airport; Stephen Wells, Desert Research Institute; Manos Maragakis, University of Nevada, Reno; Joel Madison, Ebara Group; Jay Chmelauskas, Western Lithium Corp.; Joe Dutra, Kimmie Candy; Ron Balducci, Pipeline Pacific Inc.; Panch Prasad, U.S. International Trading Company; Michael Dermody, Dermody Properties; Tammy Dermody, Walton Funerals; and Tim Dyhr and Guilio Bonifacio, Nevada Copper.