LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe said Monday that the state is exploring ways to partner with the French government and businesses on such things as agriculture research and Chinese trade, issues that were central to his just-concluded trip to France.

Beebe, who returned Friday from the weeklong trip paid for by the French government, didn’t announce any new business ventures or deals after the trip but said he and French business and government officials are pursuing them.