Contact:
Tony Hozeny, 608/267-9661
MADISON—Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that he will lead a business delegation to Japan Sept. 23-30, 2004.
“Japan offers significant export opportunities for Wisconsin companies,” Gov. Doyle said. “I look forward to helping the delegates learn firsthand about this market and make the contacts that will lead to future business.”
The delegation will attend the Midwest US-Japan/Japan-Midwest US Conference, to be held Sept. 26-28 in Tokyo. Any biotechnology firms in the delegation can attend BIO JAPAN, to be held Sept. 26-28 in Tokyo. Wisconsin businesses seeking to begin or expand an export initiative in this country are encouraged to join the delegation. Biotechnology firms are especially encouraged to participate. Mayors, county executives and economic development professionals should consider joining the delegation to promote their communities as a source of business investment. The delegation will also explore strengthening business ties with Chiba, Wisconsin’s sister state in Japan.
Japan has been for many years Wisconsin’s second-largest export customer. Wisconsin’s exports to Japan totaled $816.7 million in 2003. Strong export commodities in 2003 included electrical machinery, up 75.0 percent to $34.8 million; vehicles, up 58.4 percent to $17.3 million; and paper and paperboard, up 36.5 percent to $9.6 million.
The Department of Commerce (Commerce) will coordinate the delegation. For further information on the trade delegation, contact Mary Regel, Commerce, at 608/266-1767.
