JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is heading to Panama for a trade mission.
Nixon is set to arrive in Panama City on Wednesday in an effort to boost exports and attract investments in Missouri.
Nixon's entourage includes First Lady Georganne Nixon and the state's economic development and agriculture department directors. Nixon will meet with the Panamanian president and the country's trade and investment agency.
The group is visiting the Central American country in the midst of work to expand the Panama Canal, which Nixon's office says could fit larger ships and lead to savings on shipments.
The Hawthorn Foundation, a nonprofit organization that frequently finances gubernatorial trade missions, paid for the travel expenses of the governor and his wife.
The delegation will return to the United States on Saturday.