South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper recently hosted the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Shigeo Yamada, in Charlotte for the 46th Annual Southeast U.S./Japan Economic Development Conference. The event took place on October 27 and aimed to attract Japanese industry leaders and foster business relationships.

Governor Cooper emphasized the importance of Japan as North Carolina's top source of international business investment. He stated, “Japan is currently North Carolina’s number one source of international business investment, and I’m pleased to welcome once again Ambassador Shigeo Yamada to our state.” He highlighted the opportunity this conference presents to showcase North Carolina's potential to global companies.

N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders echoed these sentiments by saying, “We are delighted to host the 46th annual conference that celebrates and strengthens our economic ties to Japan." She added that the event would reinforce a future shaped by collaboration and growth.

The SEUS/Japan partnership involves seven southeastern U.S. states and Japan, which is a major trading partner. Over 31,000 people in North Carolina are employed by Japanese-owned firms, with more jobs expected in the coming years from companies like Toyota and HondaJet.

Toyota was a title sponsor for this year's conference, with support from other significant sponsors such as Duke Energy and Bank of America. Governor Cooper had previously appointed Sean Suggs, President of Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, as Chairman of the organizing association.

Governor Cooper has been actively engaging with Japanese leaders since his tenure began. His efforts include a trip to Tokyo in 2017 and hosting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida earlier this year. These engagements aim at recruiting jobs in sectors like aerospace and biotech.

North Carolina has been part of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association since its inception in 1976. This membership aims to boost foreign direct investment from Japan while strengthening export opportunities for local businesses.

The SEUS/Japan Association includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee along with North Carolina. Its counterpart in Japan is led by Bridgestone Corporation. The annual conferences alternate between locations in Japan and southeastern U.S. states.

For further details about this year's conference agenda, visit NC.gov/seusjapan.