Lt. Governor André Bauer to Lead Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates

(Columbia, S.C.) - Lieutenant Governor André Bauer will lead an economic development mission to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) March 21 – March 27, 2009. Joining the Lt. Governor on this mission will be Representative Todd Rutherford, officials from the S.C. Department of Commerce and business leaders from across the state.

The trade mission is designed to promote South Carolina exports to the U.A.E. and strengthen existing investments from the Middle Eastern confederation. South Carolina is already one of the top ten states in exports to the U.A.E., which has been diversifying investments outside of the petroleum industry over the last several years. Jafza International, a Dubai based company is currently developing a 1,300 acre business park with a warehouse and transportation hub in Orangeburg county.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead another trade mission on behalf of the Palmetto State,” Bauer said. “During challenging economic times it is vital that we do everything we can to increase exports and foreign investment. South Carolina already has strong ties with the U.A.E. and I want to help insure that our trade and business partnership is expanded to bring new jobs to our state.”

The Lt. Governor and local government representatives will be meeting with the Executive Council of Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority among others during the trade mission.

“I will be using private funds cover my expenses during the trade mission as I have every time I have traveled abroad on state business,” Bauer said. “The taxpayers are already footing enough of the government’s bills these days. In fact, I am using my mandatory furlough days to serve South Carolina on the trade mission.”