North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is leading a multi-state delegation at the Southeast United States (SEUS)/Japan Annual Joint Meeting in Tokyo, Japan this week. He is joined by Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley and Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) CEO Christopher Chung. The purpose of the visit is to meet with Japanese business leaders and promote North Carolina as a favorable destination for investment and partnership.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of the relationship between Japan and North Carolina, stating, “Japan and North Carolina have a truly special partnership. More than 36,000 North Carolinians wake up every morning and go to work for a Japanese company – and many more benefit from our years of cultural and academic collaboration. From electric vehicles to aerospace, from advanced manufacturing to biotech, Japan and North Carolina are innovating for the future. I look forward to spending this week building on our key relationships and showcasing all that our state has to offer. North Carolina is open for business, and I intend to make sure the world knows it.”
Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted North Carolina’s position in the global economy: “In the global economy, North Carolina truly stands out as the Top State for Business. We are fortunate to have one of the strongest workforces in the country, and our delegation looks forward to highlighting at SEUS how North Carolina is an ideal partner for Japanese companies in innovating for the future.”
Christopher Chung, CEO of EDPNC, pointed out the long-standing ties between Japan and North Carolina: “Over the past half-century, Japan has been and remains one of the most important economic partners for North Carolina, with strong ties across investment, trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. This week, we will deepen our state’s connections with Japan in ways that mutually advance our competitiveness in the global economy.”
Japan is currently North Carolina’s top source of foreign direct investment when measured by both capital investment and job creation. Governor Stein has led what is described as the largest contingent from North Carolina ever sent to SEUS/Japan meetings this year.
North Carolina became a charter member of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association in 1976. Last year’s SEUS conference was hosted by North Carolina in Charlotte. At this year’s meeting’s conclusion, Governor Stein will transfer leadership responsibilities within the association to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. The state established its first business office in Tokyo in 1978; it has operated there continuously since then.
Last year also marked a milestone when then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the Executive Mansion in Raleigh—the first recorded visit by a foreign head of state to North Carolina.
Additional information about recent investments by Japanese companies can be found through announcements regarding projects such as Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighting biotechnology leadership (link), Toyota’s plans to build its first battery plant in North America within North Carolina (link), and a Japanese healthcare company establishing its first manufacturing center of excellence in Pitt County (link).
