(Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds greets former Iowa Governor, now Ambassador Terry Branstad in Beijing)
Members of an Iowa agriculture-trade mission to China, say they've been very well received.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says they goal of the trip was to thank China for existing markets, but also look for additional opportunities to expand trade ties.
Governor Kim Reynolds says, they've met with high level Chinese ag officials, who appear to recognize that the country's growing middle class wants more food with protein.
She says there also appears to be more interest in ethanol.
Iowa Agriculture Bill Northey is part of the delegation as well. He says many of the Iowans on the trip have been there before, and the Chinese dignitaries consider them "old friends."
Secretary Northey credits the Trump Administration for opening the gates for U.S. Beef to China again, he says the administration has pushed hard to move some things that have been stuck for a while.
"I think we sensed a desire that agriculture be one of those areas that we can maintain and increase trade," said Northey during a telephone conference call today from China.
Northey they says it certainly doesn't hurt, that former Iowa Governor, and now US Ambassador Terry Branstad is in Beijing.
Members of the delegation met with Ambassador Branstad and his family. The trade mission is expected to wrap up in a couple of days.
(Above, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds meets with Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong)