[ST. PAUL, MN] – On September 6, Governor Tim Walz will travel to Tokyo, Japan to attend the 51^st Midwest U.S. Japan Association Conference at the invitation of Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, Japanese Ambassador to the United States. After the conference, he will make a one-day stop in Seoul, South Korea. His visit aims to promote Minnesota businesses and bolster economic partnerships worldwide.

“Minnesota is committed to unleashing economic opportunities across the globe,” said Governor Walz. “I look forward to traveling to Tokyo and Seoul and making the case directly to international decision-makers that Minnesota is a great place to do business.”

Governor Walz will travel to Japan with representatives from the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The MTO provides assistance to Minnesota manufacturers and service providers looking to do business in the international marketplace. Minnesota is home to nearly 35 Japanese-based companies, located in every corner of the state and in several sectors. 

From September 7 – 10, the conference will bring together leaders from Japan and the Midwest, including the governors from Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin, to highlight their strong economic partnerships.

On September 11, Governor Walz will travel to Seoul, South Korea to highlight Minnesota’s long history of engagement with South Korea and future opportunities for economic partnership.

Governor Walz will travel to Tokyo on the long-established MSP-Haneda direct flight, and return on the newly-created Seoul-MSP direct flight.