CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper highlighted the state's longstanding partnership with Japan as he welcomed business and government leaders to the 49th annual Southeast U.S./Japan Annual Joint Meeting in Charlotte on Monday.
"Over thousands of miles of land and sea and several generations, North Carolina's relationship with Japan has grown strong and resolute, producing valuable successes for our people," Cooper said.
The governor noted the last time North Carolina hosted the high-profile conference was in 2008. He praised the continued participation of Japanese companies, saying, "It's amazing how this annual meeting has maintained its importance for nearly half a century now."
Cooper also pointed to recent visits by Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's trip earlier this year to tour sites like the new Toyota battery plant in Randolph County and Honda Jet facility in the state.
"North Carolina's talented workers are the key ingredient that help keep these companies leading Japan and North Carolina into the future," Cooper said.
The governor emphasized that the conference's theme of "shaping the future" aligns with North Carolina's focus on developing a clean energy economy through electric vehicles, solar, offshore wind, and sustainable manufacturing.
"The clean energy economy is also about increasing business and the bottom line, putting more money in the pockets of people who live and work in our states," Cooper said.
North Carolina is a founding member of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association, created in 1976 to promote trade, investment, understanding and friendship between Japan and member states in the southeastern United States, according to the governor's office.
Since just 2023, Cooper said nearly 3,800 new jobs were announced. More than 30,000 North Carolinians work for Japanese owned companies.