North Carolina Governor Josh Stein led a 51-member delegation to the Southeast United States (SEUS)/Japan Annual Joint Meeting in Tokyo this week. The group, which included Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) CEO Christopher Chung, and business leaders from the state, aimed to strengthen ties with Japanese partners and promote investment opportunities in North Carolina.
Governor Stein highlighted the importance of the relationship between North Carolina and Japan. “After a productive week, I am optimistic about what North Carolina and Japan will continue to achieve together,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Japan is the number one source of foreign direct investment in North Carolina, and we are eager to see our partnership deepen so more North Carolinians can secure good-paying jobs.”
Secretary Lilley noted ongoing efforts to attract new business. “Our close economic ties with Japan are creating prosperity for North Carolina families,” said Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “We continue to pursue new opportunities for growth by sharing why we’re the best state for business in America.”
Christopher Chung emphasized the state’s appeal for international companies. “North Carolina is the perfect state for businesses looking to put roots down,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. “This week was monumental for strengthening our relationship with Japan and cementing the state’s increasingly important role in global trade and investment.”
Don Stewart, President of Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, spoke about Toyota’s experience working with the state: “Toyota has found a strong partner in the State of North Carolina. We will continue to prioritize this mutually beneficial partnership with the Tar Heel State as we embark on our journey to achieve carbon neutrality and provide mobility for all.”
During his visit, Governor Stein hosted a reception thanking delegates for their contributions and marked 50 years of partnership between Japan and North Carolina at SEUS/Japan’s opening ceremony. At the conference’s conclusion, he passed leadership responsibilities for SEUS/Japan Association to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
The trip also included meetings with other U.S. governors such as Brian Kemp of Georgia. In addition to activities in Japan, Governor Stein traveled to Taiwan where he hosted a seminar attended by major Taiwanese firms including Everest Textiles and Anderson Group—both companies have invested in facilities providing jobs within North Carolina—and met Delta Electronics representatives based at Research Triangle Park.
While in Taiwan, Governor Stein held discussions with senior officials including President Lai Ching-te, Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, and Deputy Economic Minister Cynthia Kiang on enhancing economic and cultural connections.
Panels at this year’s SEUS/Japan meeting focused on expanding bilateral partnerships across industries such as space exploration and technology education. While abroad, Governor Stein met Toyota executives regarding their $13.9 billion investment that is expected to generate over 5,100 jobs in Liberty (Randolph County), along with suppliers like Asahi Kasei who support battery production.
He also discussed expansion plans with Fujifilm—whose new $3.2 billion biotechnology facility recently opened—as well as Sumitomo Pharma, Morinaga, Nipro, Kyowa Kirin (collectively responsible for over 500 jobs), and other potential investors.
Governor Stein addressed Japanese firms affiliated with JETRO about what makes North Carolina an attractive destination for investment. This year’s delegation was reportedly the largest ever sent by North Carolina to a SEUS/Japan event.
Japan remains both the leading source of foreign direct capital investment and job creation in North Carolina; more than 36,000 residents work at Japanese-owned companies across the state. For three out of four recent years—including this year—North Carolina has been ranked as America’s top state for business.
North Carolina has been part of SEUS/Japan since 1976—a premier partnership linking seven southeastern states with Japanese enterprises—and opened its first overseas office in Tokyo nearly five decades ago.
