By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Missouri businesses will soon have a new foothold in one of the world's largest economic markets.
Friday, Governor Bob Holden announced the state will open a marketing office in China by the end of the year.
The governor says China is interested in a variety of Missouri products from biotechnology to engineering.
Holden says he does not believe expanded trade with China will mean a shifting of jobs out of Missouri.
"I think it will be a net gain in jobs," Holden said. "Now, will there be jobs moving back and forth? Of course. But at the end of the day, I think you'll see a substantial increase in jobs to Missourians for the investments that we're making."
Holden says Missouri companies hope to gain a share of the business surrounding the 2008 Summer Olympics to be held in Beijing.