By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt is urging Italy to purchase Boeing helicopters and airplanes.
Blunt left Saturday on a week-long trade mission that is also designed to highlight Missouri agriculture and biotechnology. He plans to visit Rome and Milan.
While there, the governor will push for Italy to replace Chinooks with CH 47F helicopters and buy C-17 airplanes and new weapons systems.
Blunt is scheduled to meet with Italian officials and representatives from Missouri companies with operations in Italy, including Monsanto.
The trip is being paid for the Hawthorn Foundation, a nonprofit group that funds business promotion activities by governors and receptions for visiting dignitaries.
Trade with Italy accounted for 1% of Missouri's international exports in 2006.