ST. LOUIS (KMOX) -  Kit Bond is looking to use a lifetime of political connections to help Missouri businesses grab a foothold in overseas markets, particularly in southeast Asia.

The recently-retired U.S. Senator on Tuesday officially unveiled his new enterprise, called “Kit Bond Strategies”.

“KBS is focused on helping American companies expand their markets overseas, create jobs here at home, and grow our economy — efforts I am proud to have championed during my 40 years in public office.”

11/8/11-Former U.S.Senator Kit Bond makes a point at the podium during a news conference Tuesday in Clayton, in which he announced that his newly-formed consultant group, Kit Bond Strategies, will team up with the World Trade Center of St. Louis for a trade mission to Indonesia in early 2012. (KMOX/Brett Blume)

In January 2012, KBS is partnering with the World Trade Center/St. Louis to lead a trade mission to Indonesia to help Missouri companies enter into one of the “most dynamic, yet untapped, markets in the world”, according to World Trade Center executive director Tim Nowak.

“The WTC is commited to providing regional companies expanded access to some of the fastest growing export markets in Southeast Asia,” said Nowak.  “Senator Bond and his team are a logical partner to help accomplish this, beginning with this trade mission to Indonesia in January.”

Kit Bond officially retired earlier this year after a political career that spanned more than four decades and included stints as Missouri Governor and state auditor, followed by 24 years in the U.S. Senate.

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