Gov. Asa Hutchinson will leave Saturday for his sixth trip to drum up foreign business interest in Arkansas.
During a news conference Wednesday, the governor pledged to talk to more than 20 companies across three nations next week.
He'll be revisiting old ground on this trip -- France and Germany -- as well as pitching Arkansas to Israeli companies.
"The purpose of it is the same as previous trips, which is to bolster our relationship with Arkansas companies that are owned by European parents, to strengthen that relationship, encourage expansion, see where we can partner better as a state, and then also to open doors with new businesses," Hutchinson said.
During past foreign trips, the governor has been able to make major job announcements. For example, Hutchinson announced during a video conference from China in October that Suzhou Tianyuan Garments Co. would locate a plant in central Arkansas and hire 400 people.
In response to questions from reporters Wednesday, Hutchinson said not to anticipate any specific announcements during this trip.
"This is in-the-trenches hard work, and we expect results down the road," he said. "I've always said that I'll continue these trade mission trips as long as they produce results over the long term."
While in France, Hutchinson said, he will meet with Dassault Falcon Jet officials to get an update on the company's plan to lay off 6 percent of its workforce.
The company's Little Rock facility -- which has received millions of dollars in state incentives over the past several years -- provides the finishing touches on the planes, including installing interiors and painting the jets, according to the French company's website. The location also houses a service center where the planes can be inspected and maintained.
Hutchinson said an ebb and flow of workers should be expected at any large company.
"We're continuing to be excited about their presence here," he said. "Our meeting there will continue that relationship, look for any other ways to support that industry."
Arkansas Economic Development Commission Director Mike Preston noted the trip would encompass 14,711 miles of travel by plane, train and automobile. The Arkansas delegation will include the governor, first lady Susan Hutchinson, Preston, two aides to the governor and three additional Economic Development Commission employees.
"You hit the ground running," Preston said. "You better hope you sleep on the plane ride over there because then after that it doesn't slow down."
He said a supportive governor means a lot to foreign companies thinking about locating in the United States.
Scott Hardin, a spokesman for the commission, said the trip will cost the state about $85,000.
The first stop will be the Paris Air Show, where -- in addition to meetings with aerospace companies -- the delegation will also meet with new prospects and with companies based in France that have a presence in the state.
After three days in France, the delegation will travel to Germany for two days of meetings.
The last two days will be spent in Israel, where the governor will engage in both diplomatic and business meetings.
Hutchinson noted he was traveling to Israel at the invitation of the country's consul general and ambassador.
During the news conference, Hutchinson repeated a call for the further opening of relations between the United States and Cuba.
He said he has urged President Donald Trump -- who is reportedly preparing to tighten restrictions on the island nation -- "to take a look at this opportunity for us, and he's expressed reservation about it, and I hope the president and the administration can look at interim steps."
Hutchinson said Arkansas' rice and poultry industries would benefit if Cuba could buy the products on credit.
"That's the first step, and then you look at how Cuba responds to that, hopefully with the lifting of some of their oppressive policies," he said. "That's how you build a better relationship."
Business on 06/15/2017