BDN quotes Vekasi in report on Maine companies growing in Asia
Kristin Vekasi, an assistant professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Maine, was quoted in the Bangor Daily News article, “Maine companies grow in Asia despite Trump trade uncertainty.” Vekasi, who will be a featured panelists during the Maine International Trade Center’s Trade Day 2018, is cautiously optimistic about future trade with China and Japan, and also sees big opportunities in South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. Vekasi said she worries that if a China-U.S. trade war ensues, specific U.S. companies operating in China could be targeted, finding it more difficult to get licenses or sell their products into that market. A trade war, “would be quite devastating to both countries,” she said. “My optimistic view means there will be tough negotiations and we’ll avoid a trade war and Maine will continue to grow trade in Asia.” She added that Gov. Paul LePage has been supportive of Maine businesses and their ability to pursue trade, and he has been active in trying to attract investment from China and elsewhere.