Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — Lt. Gov. Bill Halter is planning a trip to China next week to promote the state’s economic interests, according to a news release.

The lieutenant governor is to leave for China Saturday on a trip coordinated by the National Lieutenant Governors Association. He is to return to Arkansas Aug. 29.

“I’m going to China with one overriding purpose, which is to help Arkansas farmers and businesses access one of the world’s largest markets,” Halter said in the news release.

Halter plans to visit a Wal-Mart store in Beijing and meet with government officials and business executives to discuss existing and potential market opportunities.

Lieutenant governors from Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana and North Dakota also are making the trip, along with the secretary of state of Puerto Rico.

The trip and all expenses are being paid for by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.