Governor Abbott To Lead Economic Development Mission To Japan And South Korea

September 16, 2019 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

The Office of Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Governor will lead an economic development mission to Japan and South Korea. The delegation will depart on September 20 and return on September 27. The week-long mission will make stops in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo in Japan and Seoul, South Korea, to meet with CEO’s, dignitaries, and other business leaders. The mission will strengthen the strong economic and cultural ties between Texas and the two nations, while exploring new areas for expansion in the business sector.

“Texas has a strong cultural and economic bond with Japan and South Korea, and this mission will deepen our growing partnership,” said Governor Abbott. “From Toyota to Mitsubishi, leading manufacturing and tech companies have found a home in Texas because of our shared values and commitment to the free enterprise system. I look forward to strengthening these critical relationships and building a brighter future for all those who do business and call Texas home.”

Japan is the fifth largest export destination for goods from Texas, with more than $12.1 billion exported from Texas to Japan in 2018. Texas ranks No. 2 among the U.S. states for imports from Japan, with imports valued at $16.7 billion in 2018. More than 400 Japanese companies currently have operations in Texas, including the U.S. headquarters of Toyota, Kubota Tractor Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. 

Governor Abbott's office will be sending daily press updates throughout the trip. The trip will be sponsored and paid for by the Texas Economic Development Corporation.

The following organizations will be joining Governor Abbott’s mission:

AEP Texas

The Borderplex Alliance

City Of Dallas-Economic Development Department

Dallas Regional Chamber

Greater San Marcos Partnership

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative

Happy State Bank

Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce

McKinney Economic Development Corporation

McLane Group

Temple Economic Development Corporation

Texas Central

Texas Economic Development Corporation

Toyota Motor North America

San Antonio Economic Development Foundation

Seguin Economic Development Corporation

Wipro