Governor Cooper Engages with Southeast U.S./Japan Association Meeting and Tokyo's Government and Business Leaders

13 Oct, 2023

Governor Cooper Engages with Southeast U.S./Japan Association Meeting and Tokyo's Government and Business Leaders

Governor Roy Cooper, along with a significant North Carolina delegation, participated in the Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS/Japan) meeting in Tokyo. During the event, he engaged with influential figures from the worlds of business and politics to discuss the robust partnership between North Carolina and Japanese enterprises and the nation as a whole. The Governor was accompanied by NC Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina Chair Chris Chung, and other leaders in economic development, making this the largest North Carolina delegation ever to attend a Tokyo meeting, with 35 attendees.

Reflecting on the enduring and fruitful relationship between North Carolina and Japan, Governor Cooper stated, "Over thousands of miles of land and sea and several generations, North Carolina's relationship with Japan and North Carolina has strengthened over the years, leading to significant achievements for our communities. We eagerly anticipate further collaboration, aiming to bring prosperity to both the southeastern United States and Japan through this invaluable partnership."

During his visit, Governor Cooper held discussions with United States Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, emphasizing the strong economic ties between North Carolina and Japan.

Additionally, the Governor held discussions with President Koji Sato of Toyota Motor Corporation and Executive Vice President Chris Reynolds from Toyota Motor North America.

Their conversation revolved around the jobs Toyota is bringing to North Carolina, as well as their overall presence in the state. In December 2021, Governor Cooper had announced that Toyota would establish its first North American battery manufacturing plant in the Triad, a venture that is expected to create 2,100 jobs and entail a capital investment of $5.9 billion.

Additionally, Governor Cooper met with Bridgestone Global CEO Shu Ishibashi to explore ongoing collaboration with the company, particularly focusing on its tire manufacturing operation in Wilson. Bridgestone Corporation, a Japanese multinational tire manufacturer, plays a significant role in North Carolina's economy, employing over 2,000 North Carolinians. Mr. Ishibashi also holds the position of Japan co-chair for the 2023 and 2024 SEUS-Japan Conference.

At the opening ceremony of the SEUS/Japan meeting, Governor Cooper delivered remarks that underscored the significance of the partnership between North Carolina and Japan. This partnership has resulted in more than 27,000 North Carolinians being employed by Japanese-owned companies, including prominent names like Hitachi in Wilmington, HondaJet in Greensboro, and FUJIFILM Diosynth in the Research Triangle.

SEUS/Japan stands as a pivotal economic development partnership uniting the eight states in the Southeastern United States with Japan, one of the nation's largest trading partners. It's home to 225 companies with substantial operations in North Carolina. Notably, the 2024 SEUS/Japan Conference is set to be hosted in Charlotte, a milestone event that will showcase the state's thriving economy and further cement the ties between North Carolina and Japan.