It shall be the duty of the office of minority business to encourage, foster and assist the development of minority businesses in the state, to aid in the educational program related to aiding such development, to recommend necessary legislation to advance the interests of the state in development of minority businesses, to represent the state in related matters before federal agencies and to cooperate with and assist the federal government, the political subdivisions of this state and other persons in such development. Political subdivisions of the state are hereby authorized to cooperate with the office of minority business in the development of minority businesses in this state.