(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman will host South Korean Ambassador Lee Tae-sik during an upcoming visit to Nebraska. The Governor will host a luncheon during the Ambassador’s visit to Omaha on Tuesday, April 1.

The event will be an opportunity for Nebraska officials and business representatives to promote Nebraska products available for export.

“I look forward to meeting and talking with Ambassador Lee,” Gov. Heineman said. “This is an opportunity for Nebraska businesses to make an important connection. In previous years, South Korea was an important market for our agricultural producers and those in the agribusiness sector. We want to build on that relationship and expand opportunities for other Nebraska industries to do business with South Korea.”

More than 40 Nebraska companies are currently exporting goods to South Korea, which has also been a significant market for Nebraska agricultural producers. Prior to instituting a ban on U.S. beef in late 2003, South Korea was Nebraska’s second largest beef market, valued at $108 million annually.

Overall, Nebraska exports to South Korea totaled $167 million in 2003. In 2007, exports were $127 million, making South Korea the state’s sixth largest international export market.

Gov. Heineman said, “We still have a ways to go to regain ground in this market and I look forward to discussing the need for improved market access for our beef products in particular. We continue to make the case for Nebraska products in foreign markets around the world and this visit is a great opportunity to showcase some of what Nebraska has to offer.”