North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is leading a multi-state delegation at the Southeast United States (SEUS)/Japan Annual Joint Meeting in Tokyo 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 destination for investment and partnership.
“Japan and North Carolina have a truly special partnership,” said Governor Josh Stein. “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.”
“In the global economy, North Carolina truly stands out as the Top State for Business,” said Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “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.”
“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,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. “This week, we will deepen our state’s connections with Japan in ways that mutually advance our competitiveness in the global economy.”
Japan represents the largest source of foreign direct investment in North Carolina when considering both capital investment amounts and job creation. This year marks a record as Governor Stein leads the largest-ever contingent from North Carolina to attend SEUS/Japan meetings.
North Carolina became a charter member of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association in 1976. As host state this year, it previously hosted last year’s conference in Charlotte. At this meeting’s conclusion, Governor Stein will transfer leadership responsibilities within SEUS/Japan Association to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
The state’s relationship with Japan includes maintaining a business office in Tokyo since 1978. Last year saw then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visit North Carolina’s Executive Mansion—the first such visit by a foreign head of state recorded in state history.
For more information about recent investments by Japanese companies in North Carolina—including Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ ribbon-cutting ceremony; Toyota’s decision to build its first North American battery plant; and plans by a Japanese healthcare company to establish its first manufacturing center of excellence in Pitt County—see additional announcements linked above.
