McDonnell announces trade deal between Smithfield, Dandong Port Group

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced that Virginia-based Smithfield Foods, Incorporated and China’s Dandong Port Group have reached a memorandum of understanding to explore business opportunities in the rapidly growing market of northern China. The relationship was formalized by the signed MOU achieved during the governor’s recent trade and economic development mission to Asia. Dandong, which is…

Virginia trade boosts in 2010

Despite a worldwide recession and a statewide drought that impacted several key commodities, Virginia exports in 2010 totaled $2.24 billion. That is only slightly behind the record $2.3 billion for agricultural exports in 2009. Additionally, 2011 is already shaping up to be another very good year. Year-to-date numbers are up 2 percent over 2010 figures…