Gov. Ricketts talks about trade for Nebraskan Farmers

Posted By: Pierce Georlett

pgeorlett@klkntv.com

This morning at the state capitol Governor Ricketts hosted a Japanese delegation and signed an agreement to further the business interest between Nebraska and Japan.

Governor Ricketts hosted Governor Ido from the state of Hyogo Prefecture in Japan signing a deal that would strengthen future deals between the two states.

"The agreement we signed today is really a commitment to strengthening the relationship between Hyogo Prefecture and the state of Nebraska. So we are really formalizing some of the things that have already gone on already," said Gov. Ricketts.

This formal business agreement between the two states, comes off the heels of tariffs towards China directly affecting Nebraskan farmers.

"We really view this as a temporary measure. That the long term measure is to have these trade relationships signed and that’s what we’re really encouraging the administration to do we appreciate the administration effort to help take care of the American farmer," added Gov. Ricketts. 

This also comes just a day after President Trump announced that he is working towards zero tariffs between the United States and the European Union.

"So I think that’s very positive and we want to see continued progress made not only made by the European Union but with regard to NAFTA, Japan, and all of our trading partners so we can open up trading opportunities for our producers," says Gov. Ricketts. 

What’s clear is that no matter what,  both sides do not want to see a trade war in the near future.

"So the biggest concern is that I hope that this will not result in a trade war," added Gov. Ido. 

The hope is that what comes from this press conference is more business deals between the state of Nebraska and Japan.