A trade delegation from Missouri on Wednesday signed agreements with the Chinese government to further study the prospect of developing an international air cargo hub in St. Louis, said Gov. Matt Blunt.

The deal includes more visits to the region by Chinese aviation and trade officials and more detailed study by business and government groups both here and in China of the market and logistics of building an air freight hub at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

The deals also included a goal of boosting exports from Missouri to China by 50 percent over the next three years and studies of how to increase Chinese investment and trade in several key sectors of the St. Louis economy.

St. Louis’ location in the middle of the country - far from existing international cargo hubs on the coasts - and its strong logistics and transportation industry make it well-suited for this type of deal, said Richard Fleming, president of the Regional Chamber and Growth Association.