“Governor Hutchinson’s proclamation is a strong symbol for Arkansas agriculture producers,” said Melvin Torres, director of Western Hemisphere trade for the World Trade Center Arkansas. “We are incredibly thankful for his efforts to promote Arkansas trade and support the efforts of the World Trade Center Arkansas to help agriculture producers throughout our state.”
The governor’s proclamation voices multiple key statistics that emphasize the impact trade has on Arkansas. The state’s agriculture contributed $3.3 billion to Arkansas exports. Arkansas exports to Canada and Mexico (the top trading partners), have increased by 400 percent and Arkansas shares a net trade surplus with Canada and Mexico, making it unique among American states. You can read more about Arkansas’ position within NAFTA here.
“Arkansas farmers help provide food and fiber for the world,” Hutchinson said. “Arkansas’ thriving agriculture sector provides jobs across our state, not just for farmers and ranchers, but for scientists, processors, shippers, truckers and retailers.”
You can read the full text of the governor’s proclamation here. The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the Center on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter.