Ag commissioner-elect Miller hosts Chinese delegation, explores trade opportunities

Source: Texas Department of Agriculture
A delegation of Chinese officials from the Gansu province visited Austin on Monday upon the invitation of Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples and Commissioner-elect Sid Miller. Miller hosted the delegation at the Texas State Capitol.
“It is great to see Commissioner-elect Miller laying solid groundwork as he prepares to transition into his new role as the next agriculture commissioner,” said Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Deputy Commissioner Drew DeBerry. “The Texas Department of Agriculture has been deeply engaged in building international relationships, and hosting this Chinese delegation is a good example of Commissioner-elect Miller’s commitment to continuing this important work.”

In attendance were H.E. Luo Xiaohu, executive vice governor of the Gansu province, and five other high-ranking officials from the northwest region of China. The goal of the meeting was to grow agriculture trade opportunities between Texas and Gansu.
“As Texas’ new Agriculture Commissioner, I am excited about the potential partnership between our two regions,” Miller said. “I believe the cooperation we are building will lead to long-lasting relationships and bring tremendous results for Texas farmers and ranchers, as well as the overall economy of our state.”
The Gansu province is home to more than 26 million residents and growing. Exporting Texas beef to Gansu is one of the first items on Miller’s list of trade opportunities to facilitate. With 11 million head of cattle in the Lone Star State, Texas leads the nation in beef production. The beef industry generates more than $10 billion in economic impact for the state.
Xiaohu and  Miller signed a proclamation calling for increased trade between the two regions, which would benefit both Texas agriculture and Gansu. Miller also presented members of the delegation with genuine Texas cowboy hats, made by the American Hat Company from Bowie.
Additionally, Miller is looking into the possibility of organizing a delegation of Texas agriculture leaders to travel to Gansu to continue trade negotiations.
Miller is set to take the oath of office on Jan. 1, 2015.