(a) The Arkansas Economic Development Commission may engage the services of contract employees to promote the development of:(1) Foreign direct investment in the state;(2) Increased trade with foreign countries; and(3) Improved relations with countries with which the state currently trades and countries that present future opportunities for enhanced economic development in the state.(b) The commission may establish an Arkansas operation in any country approved by the Governor and the Arkansas Economic Development Council.(c) The commission shall report the progress of any foreign offices annually to the Legislative Council, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, and the Governor.Amended by Act 2013, No. 1185,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 280, § 33; 1995, No. 589, § 1; 1997, No. 540, § 21.