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 trip is to meet with Japanese business leaders and promote North Carolina as a prime destination for investment and partnerships.
Governor Stein highlighted the longstanding 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 emphasized the state’s workforce: “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, noted Japan’s economic importance: “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 ranks as the top source of foreign direct investment in both capital investment and job creation in North Carolina. This year’s delegation marks the largest group from North Carolina ever sent to SEUS/Japan Annual Joint Meeting.
North Carolina became a charter member of SEUS/Japan Association in 1976. As this year’s host state, it held last year’s conference in Charlotte. At this meeting’s conclusion, Governor Stein will transfer leadership responsibilities to Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee. The state’s first business office in Tokyo was established in 1978 and continues its operations today.
Last year saw then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visit Governor Roy Cooper at the Executive Mansion—an event described as unprecedented by local officials.
Recent investments by Japanese companies include new biotech facilities by Fujifilm Biotechnologies; Toyota’s decision to build its first North American battery plant; as well as a Japanese healthcare company’s plan to establish its first manufacturing center of excellence in Pitt County.
