by Tyler Arnold
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will be visiting Japan next week with business leaders to discuss potential economic cooperation.
On his trip from Sept. 8 through Sept. 13, the governor will attend the annual Midwest U.S.-Japan Association conference in Tokyo, which is an organization made up of 10 Midwest states, eight prefectures of Japan and about 100 Japanese corporations.
“Japan has been a great partner for Ohio and we’re serious about increasing investment,” DeWine said in a news release. “The best way to do that is to meet with people. [First Lady] Fran and I are excited to tell them what they can find in Ohio, including a business-friendly environment, a strong workforce, and quality infrastructure. Ohio is a great place to live and work.”
Japan is already one of Ohio’s leading economic partners. Japan is the state’s top international investor and Ohio’s fifth largest export market. Ohio exported $1.67 billion worth of goods to Japan. There are 852 Japanese-owned establishments in Ohio that employ more than 72,860 Ohioans.
DeWine met with Japan’s ambassador to the United States, Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, earlier this week. More than 50 other government and economic officials from Ohio will be attending the conference, which is the 51st of its kind.
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Tyler Arnold reports on Virginia and Ohio for The Center Square.
Photo “Gov. Mike Dewine in Japan” by Gov. Mike DeWine.
