Governor Josh Stein led a 51-member delegation to the Southeast United States (SEUS)/Japan Annual Joint Meeting in Tokyo this week, focusing on strengthening North Carolina’s economic ties with Japan and seeking further investment opportunities. The group included Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) CEO Christopher Chung, and various business leaders from the state.
“After a productive week, I am optimistic about what North Carolina and Japan will continue to achieve together,” Governor Stein said. “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.”
Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley commented, “Our close economic ties with Japan are creating prosperity for North Carolina families. We continue to pursue new opportunities for growth by sharing why we’re the best state for business in America.”
Christopher Chung added, “North Carolina is the perfect state for businesses looking to put roots down. 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, stated: “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.”
At the conference, Governor Stein hosted a reception recognizing delegates’ efforts toward boosting economic success. He also celebrated fifty years of partnership between Japan and North Carolina at SEUS/Japan’s opening ceremony before passing leadership of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee at the conference’s conclusion.
While abroad, Governor Stein visited Taiwan where he held a business seminar attended by leading Taiwanese firms such as Everest Textiles and Anderson Group—both have invested in facilities providing jobs within North Carolina—and met with representatives from Delta Electronics whose regional research headquarters is located at Research Triangle Park.
In Taiwan, meetings were also held with government officials including President Lai Ching-te, Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, and Deputy Economic Minister Cynthia Kiang focused on expanding economic and cultural cooperation between Taiwan and North Carolina.
During his stay in Japan, Governor Stein discussed Toyota’s $13.9 billion investment project in Liberty that is expected to generate over 5,100 jobs for Randolph County. He also spoke with Asahi Kasei about its supply chain work providing lithium-ion batteries for Toyota vehicles.
The governor met Fujifilm executives regarding their new $3.2 billion biotechnology facility—the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place last September—and engaged Sumitomo Pharma, Morinaga, Nipro, Kyowa Kirin leaders whose combined operations have brought over 500 jobs into the state.
After SEUS/Japan events concluded, Governor Stein presented information about North Carolina’s resources to Japanese companies affiliated with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization). This year marked the largest delegation sent from North Carolina since becoming a charter member of SEUS/Japan Association in 1976; it also follows two consecutive years as host southeastern state.
Currently there are more than 36,000 people employed by Japanese-owned companies across North Carolina—Japan ranks first among foreign investors both in capital spending and job creation statewide. For three out of four recent years North Carolina has been named America’s Top State for Business according to CNBC analysis.
Since establishing its Tokyo office in 1978—which has operated continuously—North Carolina has maintained close ties through SEUS/Japan Association partnerships that include seven southeastern states and over 225 Japanese-affiliated businesses active within its borders.
