Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Touts Missouri’s Biotech Industry During Meetings with Hungarian Officials
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt met with Hungarian officials today focusing on the state’s biotechnology industry.
“We have the fifth most diversified economy in the United States, and I will continue to promote Missouri’s interests abroad and to build upon our improving entrepreneurial climate,” Blunt said. “Missouri’s economic outlook is strong with new and ever growing developments and accomplishments in the biotechnology sector and we are doing everything we can to help Missourians obtain good, family-supporting jobs.”
During meetings with Hungarian officials from the Ministries of Economy and Transport, Foreign Affairs and Agriculture discussions focused on biotechnology and renewable fuels. Missouri is being recognized as a world leader in plant biotechnology as the trade delegation discusses the importance of the state’s location in the heart of the United States and the governor’s emphasis on improving Missouri’s biotechnology and life sciences sectors.
Blunt discussed the biotechnology sector and the valuable role it has played in the state’s economy since 1979. Missouri’s biotechnology accounts for more than 390 plant and life science enterprises, generates over 170,000 direct jobs and supports 260,000 indirect jobs. During the trip, Blunt touted the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative that works to maximize the economic impact of life sciences in Missouri while working to improve higher education. The governor’s initiative will generate $6.7 billion in economic activity over 12 years.
Representatives from some of Missouri’s premier biotechnology businesses, including the Coalition for Plant and Life Sciences, the Danforth Plant Science Center and Monsanto, participated in the meetings.
Missouri’s economy will continue to grow through continued cooperation with our international partners like Hungary and Blunt’s guidance to establish Missouri as strong and well positioned in the global marketplace.
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