Governor Mike Kehoe is back from Panama after leading a Missouri delegation.
Speaking in Rolla Tuesday night, Kehoe says part of the trip focused on economic development.
“We met with all of the ministers of various departments from agriculture and commerce. The minister runs the Panama Canal to talk about Missouri and what economic benefits we have here for companies that are looking to expand into the states," Kehoe says.
Kehoe says the primary part of the mission was to celebrate 30 years of the Missouri National Guard's partnership with Panama.
“It's unbelievable how active our guards, men and women are in Panama, how much they rely on them for cyber security, for Panama, canal security, multiple partnerships we visited with down there," Kehoe explains. "It was very inspiring and humbling at the same time. It was a great trip.”
Missouri and Panama have worked together through the National Guard's State Partnership Program since 1996, supporting military training, readiness and cooperation between the two partners.
Kehoe says discussions with Panama's agriculture minister included opportunities for Missouri producers.
“That's something that obviously we're very good at. It's our number one industry, and you're going to see a very quick turnaround on what we're going to do to try to get involvement with all of our stakeholder groups from the commodity groups as well as the University of Missouri Extension Office on some really good ideas we have that will really help their ag community and help our people back here at home," Kehoe says.
Panama bought $17.7 million worth of Missouri exports in 2025, including agricultural products.
Missourinet