Nebraska has officially opened its first China trade office in Shanghai.

The new office is part of a push by Gov. Dave Heineman to help Nebraska businesses tap lucrative international markets. Heineman celebrated the opening Monday in Lincoln.

Heineman says value-added agriculture exports are a key growth area between Nebraska and China.

The Nebraska Center in China represents a gateway for Nebraska companies entering and expanding in China. Services will include business counseling, promotion of products and services, and help in identifying potential business partners. The center will also concentrate on attracting more Chinese investment to Nebraska.

Grace Gui, formerly of Omaha, will serve as the office’s executive director in China. Gui served as a system and senior database administrator for Stapes in Omaha from 2001 through 2012.