SENATOR COLLINS PROMOTES AROOSTOOK COUNTY IN THAILAND

            WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a Caribou native, traveled to Southeast Asia this week to meet with government and parliamentary leaders and civil society and political activists in the country of Burma. In addition, Senator Collins participated in the World Economic Forum in Thailand, and met with Southeast Asia leaders and officials in Bangkok, Thailand to discuss issues of defense, regional and national security, and to promote Maine exports.

            To mark Senator Collins’ visit to Thailand, the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok hosted "Promote Maine" week, which included promotion materials highlighting the beauty and culture of Aroostook County.

            Asia is one of Maine's key growth areas for trade.  Thailand is a significant market for Maine products, with nearly $6 million in exports last year.  During Senator Collins’ visit, the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Kristie Kenney, hosted a special breakfast with several leading Thai and U.S. business leaders as part of an effort to help strengthen commercial ties and promote Maine exports.  The Embassy has been coordinating with the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, the Maine International Trade Center, the Maine Office of Tourism, and the Maine Lobster Promotion Council to provide Embassy visitors and guests with information on Maine tourism, which included special posters promoting Aroostook County tourism, and business opportunities.  The breakfast also featured wild Maine blueberries, maple syrup, Maine-made coffee, and other leading Maine exports.