Press Release

CONSUL GENERAL AND SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR DISCUSS EXPANSION OF ECONOMIC RELATIONS

Consul General Diano exchanging tokens with Gov. Rhoden (SD Governor’s Office photo)

CHICAGO 13 April 2026- Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano called on South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden to discuss opportunities to further strengthen economic and agricultural cooperation between the PHL and South Dakota at the State Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota on 09 April 2026.

During the meeting, Consul General Diano highlighted the PHL’s robust trade relations with the state in recent years, driven primarily by agricultural products, and underscored the significant potential to further expand economic engagement. She also expressed the Consulate’s readiness to facilitate deeper engagement and identify new opportunities for cooperation.

Gov. Rhoden noted South Dakota’s strong agricultural economy and its production of soybeans and soybean products, wheat, beef, and pork. He emphasized the state’s readiness to expand agricultural trade and deepen cooperation with international partners, including the PHL, and reaffirmed South Dakota’s commitment to strengthening global market linkages for its producers.

Consul General Diano briefed the Governor on the upcoming Business Mission to the PHL slated for July 2026, which coincides with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of PHL–U.S. diplomatic relations this year. Gov. Rhoden committed to informing relevant stakeholders across the state regarding participation opportunities and noted South Dakota’s past participation in a U.S. Department of Agriculture trade mission to the PHL, which provided valuable insights into the PHL market. END

Consul General Diano discussing the Business Mission to the PHL set for July 2026 (Chicago PCG photo)

From left to right: SD’s Office of Economic Development Commissioner Joe Fiala, Department of Agriculture and

Natural Resources Sec. Hunter Roberts, Gov. Rhoden, Consul General Diano and Consul Almonguera

(SD Governor’s Office photo)