South Dakota Leaders Head to Asia on Trade Mission

Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen leads delegation to Japan and South Korea

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:49pm

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A group of South Dakota officials, including Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, Trade President Jesse Fonkert, Economic Development Commissioner Bill Even, Agriculture Secretary Hunter Roberts, and Soybean Research Council Director Jerry Schmitz, are embarking on a trade mission to Japan and South Korea. The goal is to build commercial relationships and promote South Dakota as open for business opportunities.

Why it matters

As a major agricultural state, South Dakota is looking to expand trade ties with key Asian markets like Japan and South Korea. This trade mission is an opportunity to showcase the state's business climate and attract new investment and partnerships.

The details

The delegation will meet with government and business leaders in both countries to discuss potential trade and investment opportunities. They plan to highlight South Dakota's strengths in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

  • The trade mission is taking place from March 17-25, 2026.

The players

Tony Venhuizen

The Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota leading the trade delegation.

Jesse Fonkert

The President of the South Dakota Trade and Export Council.

Bill Even

The Economic Development Commissioner for the state of South Dakota.

Hunter Roberts

The Agriculture Secretary for the state of South Dakota.

Jerry Schmitz

The Director of the South Dakota Soybean Research Council.

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What they’re saying

“South Dakota is open for opportunity.”

— Tony Venhuizen, Lieutenant Governor

What’s next

The delegation plans to meet with government officials and business leaders in Japan and South Korea to discuss potential trade and investment opportunities for South Dakota companies.

The takeaway

This trade mission represents South Dakota's efforts to expand its economic ties with key Asian markets, leveraging the state's strengths in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology to attract new investment and partnerships.