The Chamber’s Economic Development team traveled to Japan this month for the 41st Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association (SEUS). This prestigious gathering of global business leaders celebrates longstanding economic and cultural ties and offers delegates from Japan and seven southeastern U.S. member states the opportunity to delve into global issues with new perspective and to connect with peers and leaders around the world.

During our team’s time in Japan, they were also able to meet with counterparts at the Osaka Chamber of Commerce to present the benefits of doing business in Memphis and the strength of our city’s Japanese culture to a group of more than 50 business leaders. From company headquarters to professionals who have found their careers here, Memphis has a strong Japanese presence, and we were happy to join several local partners traveling with us to share our city’s many assets.

Japan is the top international investor in the United States with $20 billion invested and 37,000 American jobs created since 2016, including $170 million in the Nissan facility near Nashville.

The Southeast U.S.-Japan Association (SEUS Japan) was established in 1976 to promote trade, investment, understanding and friendship between Japan and Southeast U.S. member states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee).Japan is the top international investor in the United States with $20 billion invested and 37,000 American jobs created since 2016, including $170 million in the Nissan facility near Nashville.The Annual Joint Meeting rotates between Japan and one of the states in the southeastern U.S. every other year.

Governors, corporate presidents and CEOs are always present at the event. This year’s VIPs included Toshiko Abe, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty; multiple Japanese Consul Generals; and senior officials from each of the seven Southeastern states, including Tennessee Commissioner of Community & Economic Development Bob Rolfe.

Workshops, panels, keynote speakers and networking provided the opportunity for attendees from Memphis to share their perspective and gain insights from peers to better understand the  global issues presented. This event continues to confirm the significance of this long-standing international partnership. The Chamber remains committed as a partner to help achieve sustainable growth for the U.S. and Japan, and we look forward to next year’s event.

The Greater Memphis Chamber offers support to Mid-South businesses in international business development, including export assistance through our Economic Development team. If you have any questions about growing your Memphis business globally, contact Vice President of International Business Development Jinliang Cai at 901-543-3543 or jcai@memphischamber.com.