News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced plans to lead a delegation of Ohio companies and organizations on an Ohio Business and Investment Trip to Japan, from Sept. 7 - 15, 2007. The trip is a chance to explore new investment opportunities in Ohio by Japanese companies, as well as avenues for export for Ohio companies.

"In today's burgeoning global market, it's our responsibility to nurture our partnerships with Japanese businesses, which are the lifeblood to our foreign investment picture," said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as the director of the Ohio Department of Development. "I look forward to starting new relationships, deepening existing ones and, most importantly, demonstrating that Ohio has the innovation and vision to move with the changes in today's economy."

One of the goals of the trip is to help Ohio companies, universities and research institutions develop partnerships in Japan that would increase research and development in Ohio. Delegates will promote Ohio's strengths in alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, biotechnology and other high-technology industries.

Japan is Ohio's largest single-country source of foreign direct investment, with 300 facilities employing more than 60,000 Ohioans. Japan is also Ohio's third-largest export market.

Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher wants the trip to be a chance to build thoughtful educational, social and cultural exchanges. He plans to make remarks at the Midwest U.S. - Japan Association Annual Conference in Tokyo, a business conference organized by the Japanese government in Osaka, and at other receptions and briefings.

Those who will be invited to participate include representatives from economic development organizations, local governments, labor leaders, law and accounting firms, manufacturers and service companies, universities and research institutions, as well as representatives from the state of Ohio.

Ohio companies interested in participating in the trip should contact Randy Hochstetter, coordinator, in the Ohio Department of Development's International Trade Division at (614) 644-6397 or (800) 848-1300, or rhochstetter@odod.state.oh.us.

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Media contact: Kelly Hassett (614) 466-4133
khassett@odod.state.oh.us