Increasing exports and attracting new foreign investment are critical to creating jobs and growing Minnesota’s economy. One proven strategy for improving Minnesota’s economic competitiveness is opening international trade offices. In 2005, when Minnesota opened its first office in Shanghai office, our exports to China increased 71 percent during the first year!

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This post was originally published by Swedish Ambassador Mark Brzezinski on Brzezinski Blog on June 17, 2013. This week we had the privilege of welcoming Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and a trade delegation of Minnesota business, universities and scientific and medical institutions to Stockholm, Sweden. The family ties, business relationships, scientific and university exchanges, and cultural linkages between Minnesota and Sweden combine to create a strong and growing connection. The Governor’s visit gave us the chance to frame some of the key opportunities Minnesota and Sweden have to work together to advance common interests. The values shared between Sweden and Minnesota are so many: a commitment to cultivating the next generation through great education; the endless possibilities provided by scientific innovation, R&D and global commerce; a love for the great outdoors and a shared Northern topography; and even Ice Hockey – Governor Dayton is a former Division I Hockey player (a goalie), and Sweden just won the Ice Hockey World Championships!

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Minnesota had the fifth fastest growing economy in 2012. Currently, Minnesota is experiencing healthy growth – creating new jobs for Minnesotans and new opportunities for businesses. In 2012, Minnesota’s gross domestic product grew by 3.5 percent – 1 percent higher than the national average. As a state, Minnesota has one of the country's lowest unemployment rates too. And the Twin Cities, the state's major economic engine, had the second-lowest unemployment rate among major U.S. metropolitan areas during April. While these improvements are indicators Minnesota’s economy is moving in the right direction. Gov. Mark Dayton has continued to push new initiatives designed to help create good jobs for Minnesotans.

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