So far as may be practicable in the performance of its duties in connection with collecting and assembling of information, the department of economic development shall make use of such pertinent data as may be secured from the departments, boards, commissions, agencies and institutions of this state. The department of economic development shall have access to all records, data, information and statistics of other departments, boards, commissions, agencies and institutions except such records or information as is required by law to be kept confidential. It is the duty of the department of conservation, the department of natural resources, the state university, the university of Missouri-Rolla, the division of geological survey and water resources, the department of transportation and any other state department or agency, when requested by the governor or the director to do so, in writing, to select an advisory committee of at least three members, and to cooperate with the department of economic development in the performance of its duties in any practical manner within the limits of the appropriation provided the department or agency.