Gov. Pritzker Continues Japan Trade Mission with State Business and Technology Leaders
The Governor joined delegation members in Japan to promote Illinois as a hub for global investment
October 7, 2024
TOKYO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker, alongside the Illinois delegation, met with Japanese business leaders to promote Illinois’ leadership in manufacturing and innovation, and to explore opportunities with global businesses.
The Governor began Monday by welcoming the full Illinois delegation, consisting of leaders in business, education, and government, at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, where Deputy Chief of Mission Katherine Monahan and Alan Turley, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, hosted a panel on U.S.-Japan relations. The panel featured presentations from key embassy sections, setting the foundation for the trade mission’s goal of strengthening economic cooperation between the State of Illinois and Japan.
Following the panel, Governor Pritzker, alongside representatives from the delegation, met with Japanese executives from the food manufacturing sector. In this meeting, the Governor emphasized Illinois as a leader in manufacturing and innovation, highlighted the state’s skilled workforce, and promoted its competitive incentives designed to attract and support businesses.
The Governor also met with several leaders of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), including President Susumu Kataoka and Chief Executive Director of JETRO Chicago, Takashi Nakagawa. In this meeting, they discussed past collaborations between JETRO and Illinois and explored future opportunities in areas such as clean energy and quantum technology.
JETRO also hosted a seminar where Governor Pritzker delivered a keynote to over 100 Japan-based companies. During the seminar, representatives from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Intersect Illinois, and various Illinois businesses showcased Illinois as a premier destination for global investment and innovation.
While in Japan, Governor Pritzker was pleased to announce an expansion in northeastern Illinois by Japanese company Sysmex. The $20.6 million expansion will create over 100 new jobs and retain nearly 550 existing jobs across the state. More on this announcement can be found here.
Over the coming days, Governor Pritzker will discuss economic cooperation related to quantum technologies, clean energy, manufacturing, and sustainability.
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