Governor Reynolds is leading a trade mission to strengthen Iowa-India relations

DES Moines, Iowa – Gov. Kim Reynolds led a 10-day trade mission abroad in a bid to strengthen Iowa’s relationship with India.

Reynolds said the state is perfectly positioned to help feed India’s growing population and power its rapidly growing economy.

“One of the priorities of the trade mission was to gain real insight into the Indian market as the country works to increase its capacity to meet growing demand for both food and fuel,” said Governor Kim Reynolds (Iowa).

State leaders have said India won’t be able to meet its long-term fuel and food needs, but they say Iowa can help fill those gaps.

“Iowa’s experience in renewable energy, especially wind and biofuels, can provide the solutions India is looking for to its energy challenges, especially in rural areas,” Sid Juwarker, vice president of economic development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “Opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships abound given our agricultural expertise and India’s need for food security and agricultural production, as mentioned earlier, and India’s desire to modernize its agricultural practices.”

Reynolds said Iowa has signed preliminary agreements with three Indian companies, opening the door to future cooperation.

One private company from Iowa, Power Pollen, signs a letter of intent regarding cooperation with one of the Indian companies VNR Seed.

Quad Cities Chamber president and CEO Peter Tokar said that just three days after their trip to India, they had already hosted a company they had met abroad to discuss potential investments.

“The Quad Cities is a region of makers,” Tokar said. “We represent the side of economic development that supports the AG industry, so this is a great opportunity for us to look at foreign direct investment opportunities. How do we strengthen our trade relationship with India and what new and innovative industries can we partner with going forward to diversify our economic base here in Iowa as well.”

Governor Reynolds said this is her first trip to India, but not her last. He plans to return there next year.