Alaska sends trade delegation to South Korea

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- A delegation of Alaska business leaders and state officials has traveled to South Korea on a six-day trade mission.

The group is lead by Community and Economic Development Commissioner Deborah Sedwick and First Lady Susan Knowles.

In addition to meeting with Korean buyers and government officials, the Alaska delegation will attend a conference on trade and investment between Korea and Pacific Rim states.

The Republic of Korea is Alaska's second-largest market, buying minerals, wood, coal, fertilizer and fish. Last year, Alaska's exports to Korea totaled more than $463 million, accounting for almost 19 percent of the state's total exports.

''Korea is one of only a few markets in Asia where significant growth is projected in the next several years,'' said Greg Wolf, Director of International Trade and market development. Wolf also is a member of the delegation. The group returns to Alaska on June 12.