FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A delegation from the newly opened Arkansas World Trade Center will visit Brescia, Italy, from Feb. 19 to 23 to develop new economic ties for Arkansas and new academic connections for the University of Arkansas.

Dan Hendrix, president and chief executive officer of the Arkansas World Trade Center, and Joe Ziegler, chairman of the economics department in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, will lead the Arkansas delegation. Congressman John Boozman of Arkansas will join the delegation for lunch with the U.S. ambassador to Italy on Feb. 21.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Arkansas World Trade Center to build relationships for Arkansas and this region of Italy,” said Hendrix. “At the same time the mission has the potential to impact international studies and programs for the UA and give our students and faculty yet another international relationship.”

The trade mission was organized by the Montana World Trade Center, which invited the Arkansas delegation to join. Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg is leading the delegation. The University of Montana holds the license for the World Trade Center Association in its state, as does the University of Arkansas, which makes the two centers somewhat unique. The World Trade Center Brescia has invited Catholic University and Statale University to participate in what the organization describes as a historic event for the region.

 “From an academic perspective the mission is geared toward exploring program, research and student exchanges between the universities in Brescia and the University of Arkansas and University of Montana,” Ziegler said. “While we build relationships and establish partnerships with this region we will also explore exporting opportunities for Arkansas businesses and entrepreneurs.”