Our Business Development Mission in Japan is in full-swing, and today we had many opportunities to deepen our mutually beneficial relationships with Japanese companies.

Today our delegation met with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), an important nonprofit, government-related organization that provides business support services to companies expanding to Japan. More than 30 Minnesota companies operate 1,000 business locations in Japan and JETRO's support is crucial to their success. We discussed how Minnesota is a hub for innovation and skilled workers, and noted we're ready to partner with Japanese businesses on areas of mutual interest in the years ahead.

We then visited Sumitomo Chemical, which is one of the longest-tenured Japanese companies operating in Minnesota through their ownership stake in MGK Insect Control Solutions. MGK is an export powerhouse, selling to customers in over 60 countries. We look forward to further collaboration on sustainability and the environment with Sumitomo in the years ahead.

Next, Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan and I had the honor of meeting with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. We discussed our shared commitment to combating climate change, including Tokyo's goal to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and Minnesota's progress toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.

Later, we participated in a roundtable hosted by the Japanese Business Federation Keidanren, alongside Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse, Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston and Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski. We took this opportunity to discuss Minnesota's strong business climate – we are ranked as the 5th best state for business in the U.S. – and our efforts to grow our highly skilled workforce. These conditions make Minnesota an attractive place for Japanese companies to invest – nearly 50 companies headquartered in Japan operate 120 business locations in Minnesota, employing 10,800 people in our state.

Our DEED team next met with leadership from Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL), whose American subsidiary operates its head office in Chaska. TEL develops systems that are used in semiconductor and emerging nanotechnology manufacturing – critical high-tech industries that set up both Japan and Minnesota as leaders in creating a next-generation economy.

Finally, we closed the day by hosting business and political leaders at a reception celebrating the deep ties between Minnesota and Japan: the dozens of companies that call both places home, the growing trade market that benefits customers on both sides of the Pacific and the long-established friendship between us. Ours is a historic relationship: did you know the first sister city between a U.S. city and anywhere in Asia was established in 1955 between Nagasaki and Saint Paul?

With these ties in mind, we are excited to continue our mission promoting Minnesota in Japan the rest of the week.

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