North Carolina Governor Josh Stein led a 51-member delegation to the Southeast United States (SEUS)/Japan Annual Joint Meeting in Tokyo this week, aiming to strengthen economic ties and attract more investment and jobs to the state. The group included Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) CEO Christopher Chung, and business leaders from across North Carolina.
“After a productive week, I am optimistic about what North Carolina and Japan will continue to achieve together,” said Governor Stein. “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.”
Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the benefits of these ties for local families. “Our close economic ties with Japan are creating prosperity for North Carolina families,” he said. “We continue to pursue new opportunities for growth by sharing why we’re the best state for business in America.”
Christopher Chung emphasized the importance of these partnerships for global trade. “North Carolina is the perfect state for businesses looking to put roots down,” he said. “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, commented on his company’s ongoing collaboration with the state: “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.”
During his visit, Governor Stein hosted a reception for delegates and marked Japan’s 50-year relationship with North Carolina at the SEUS/Japan opening ceremony. At the end of the conference, he handed over leadership of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Governor Stein also traveled to Taiwan, where he held a business seminar attended by companies such as Everest Textiles and Anderson Group—both have invested in facilities that provide jobs in North Carolina—and met representatives from Delta Electronics, which operates its regional research headquarters at Research Triangle Park.
In meetings with Taiwanese officials including President Lai Ching-te, Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, and Deputy Economic Minister Cynthia Kiang, discussions focused on ways to further strengthen economic and cultural connections between Taiwan and North Carolina.
While in Japan, Governor Stein met with Toyota executives regarding their $13.9 billion investment in Liberty, North Carolina—a project expected to create over 5,100 jobs in Randolph County—and spoke with Asahi Kasei about battery supply partnerships. He also visited Fujifilm following its recent $3.2 billion biotechnology facility opening in Holly Springs; this site is among America’s largest biopharmaceutical manufacturing plants.
Meetings were also held with Sumitomo Pharma, Morinaga, Nipro, Kyowa Kirin—companies collectively responsible for bringing more than 500 jobs to North Carolina—as well as other firms considering future investments.
At an event organized by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Governor Stein presented information about opportunities available within North Carolina. This year’s SEUS/Japan conference saw participation from what officials described as the largest-ever delegation from North Carolina.
According to state data, Japanese-owned companies now employ over 36,000 people across North Carolina. The state has been recognized as America’s top location for business three times over four years.
