North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is at the helm of a delegation attending the Southeast United States (SEUS)/Japan Annual Joint Meeting in Tokyo this week, joined by other state officials including Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley and Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). The group's aim is to tighten economic and cultural ties with Japan while highlighting North Carolina's attractions for business and investment. Governor's office reported.
"Japan and North Carolina have a truly special partnership," Governor Stein remarked, emphasizing the employment and collaborative benefits both regions enjoy, facilitated by 36,000 North Carolinians working for Japanese companies and the state's ongoing promotion of sectors like electric vehicles and biotech. Stein looks to strengthen these existing bonds and showcase the state's business-friendly environment during the Tokyo meeting, as per the announcement from his office.
Secretary Lilley called attention to North Carolina's global economic standings, citing, "North Carolina truly stands out as the Top State for Business," and remarked on the state's robust workforce, which he and his colleagues will be promoting during the meeting. They seek to position North Carolina as an ideal partner for Japanese companies looking towards future innovations, according to the governor's press release.
Christopher Chung spoke on the historical significance of the economic partnership between North Carolina and Japan saying that it spans across investment, trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange; their goal for the week is to further strengthen these connections, enhancing their joint competitive edge in the global market, the office stated.
With Japan recognized as the primary source of foreign direct investment in North Carolina, Governor Stein is heading the largest-ever state delegation to the SEUS/Japan meeting, affirming his commitment to fostering closer economic relations. His delegation's work will culminate with the symbolic passing of the SEUS association leadership to Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee, as North Carolina concludes its hosting duties from the prior year. Highlighting North Carolina's proactive approach towards international alliances, the Governor's Office recall the historic visit of Japan's then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the state in the previous year.
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