Kehoe to lead Missouri trade mission to Italy

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Gov. Mike Kehoe will lead a Missouri delegation to Italy for an economic development trade mission aimed at strengthening international business relationships and attracting new investment to the state.

Kehoe will leave Missouri on Thursday, Sept. 17, and conclude official meetings Sept. 23. It will be his third international trade mission as governor.

The delegation will meet with business executives, government officials and diplomats. Meetings are planned with leaders from several Italian companies that already operate in Missouri, including Prysmian, Fiocchi, Serioplast, RB Group and Bertagni.

Kehoe is also scheduled to meet with prospective investors, the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See and the president of Italy’s Lombardy region. The delegation will attend a reception hosted by the U.S. consul general.

“This trade mission is just one of the many ways our team is aggressively working to help Missouri businesses reach new markets and grow jobs and opportunity for Missourians back home,” Kehoe said.

The governor and first lady will be joined by Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Michelle Hataway, Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, state Sen. Jamie Burger, state Rep. Doyle Justus and representatives from the Hawthorn Foundation and Missouri Partnership.

Italy is a key trade partner for Missouri. The state exported $219 million in goods to Italy in 2025, a 46% increase from 2024. Those exports included leather products, chemicals and machinery.

Missouri imported nearly $460 million in goods from Italy in 2025, making the country the state’s eighth-largest import partner. Fourteen Italian companies currently operate in Missouri.

Lt. Gov. David Wasinger will serve as acting governor during Kehoe’s absence. The Hawthorn Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports business recruitment efforts, will fund Kehoe’s participation in the trade mission.

Additional information is available through the governor’s office.