[ST. PAUL, MN] – On September 8, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan will travel to Tokyo, Japan to attend the 53 ^rd Midwest U.S. Japan Association Conference at the invitation of Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, Japanese Ambassador to the United States. After the conference, they will make a one-day stop in Osaka, Japan to meet with business leaders and Japanese firms that are already operating in Minnesota. Their visit aims to promote Minnesota as a destination for businesses and strengthen the state’s economic partnerships worldwide.

“From agriculture to biomedical technology, Minnesota and Japan share a history of strong economic partnerships, and we’re committed to sustaining these opportunities with our partners across the globe,” said Governor Walz.“I look forward to traveling to Japanand building on these important relationships, so that Minnesota remains a great place to start, grow, and invest in business.”

“Minnesota’s economy benefits when we strengthen economic ties across the globe. I am thrilled by the opportunity to travel to Japan to strengthen our close economic partnerships with Japanese leaders and businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “By meeting with our partners in Japan and promoting Minnesota businesses, we are elevating Minnesota on the global stage and creating economic opportunities for all Minnesotans.”

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan will travel to Japan with representatives from the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) at the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The MTO provides assistance to Minnesota manufacturers and service providers looking to do business in the international marketplace. Minnesota is home to over 50 Japanese-based companies, located in every corner of the state and in several sectors.

From September 10 – 12, the conference will bring together leaders from Japan and the Midwest to highlight their strong economic partnerships.

On September 13, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan will travel to Osaka, Japan to further strengthen business ties and promote future opportunities for economic partnership.