ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) — Regional leaders have announced a to develop closer ties with one of the world’s fastest growing economies.  Former U.S. Senator Kit Bond, County Executive Charlie Dooley, and County Economic Council President Denny Coleman are going to China.  They are associated with a group called the St. Louis World Trade Center. The trade mission is the latest effort by local and state officials to develop business partnerships with China.

Pictured at the announcement of the Trade Mission to China are Mike DuBois, Jason Van Eaton of KBS, 
Former Senator Kit Bond, County Executive Charlie Dooley, Tim Nowak and Sean Mullins of World Trade Center St. Louis

The group will meet with government and business leaders in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and St. Louis’ Sister City Nanjing.  China is already  Missouri’s third largest export market.