AREA HAS BIG ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Products manufactured in Southeast Missouri are helping consumers throughout the world. This impressive fact not only helps local businesses, but it aids Missouri's reputation as a player in overseas markets.

There is much more international trade in Southeast Missouri than many people realize. Just ask the folks at the St. Louis World Trade Center, which operates a satellite office on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. Other satellites operate in Springfield, St. Peters, Jefferson County and downtown St. Louis.

The satellite center was established in February 1995 and shares office space with the Small Business Development Center.

The St. Louis Trade Center promotes international trade throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois. It is one of more than 300 trade centers linked through services and up-to-date information on international buying and selling opportunities. The center also sponsors monthly seminars for area businesses.

The export business is booming in Missouri and Southern Illinois to the tune of $200 million annually -- up about $20 million in the two-state region from the previous year.

More importantly, this international trade has resulted in several hundred new jobs. And that helps everyone.

In Southeast Missouri, businesses export agricultural products, automotive parts, video cassettes, magnets and cement -- to name a few. These regional exports not only ship to Canada and Mexico, but to such overseas markets as Japan, China, South Africa, Europe, Asia and other countries.

In addition to exports, Southeast Missouri has a growing number of companies with international ties. For example, Biokyowa's parent company has headquarters in Japan. The company has done well with two expansions under way at its plant in the Nash Road Industrial Park. These expansions will help increase the companies exports as well.

Biokyowa was one of the first major Japanese companies to locate in Missouri in 1982. The plant employs about 100 workers and will increase to about 180 with the plant expansions. It's a wonderful success story that has helped both the local economy and international trade.

With the help of assistance both locally and statewide, more businesses can venture into the realm of international exports.