NC governor to welcome Japanese prime minister next week to talk jobs and business

The Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will be in North Carolina next week, welcomed by the Tar Heel's own Gov. Roy Cooper to talk jobs and business investments, according to a Friday press release.

The historic visit signals North Carolina's economic ties with Japan. The prime minister, his wife and other dignitaries will be touring the state with more details to come in the next week.

Before Kishida stops in North Carolina's capital city, he will attend a dinner at the White House with President Biden.

When is the Japanese prime minister coming to North Carolina?

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida will be in North Carolina on Friday, April 12.

Why is he coming?

Cooper has been working to bring Japanese business and jobs to the state during his time in office. According to Cooper, more than 30,000 people work for Japanese-owned companies in the state. Cooper has made trips to Tokyo in 2017 and in 2023 when he attended the Southeast US/Japan Economic Partnership Conference. According to a press release from Cooper's office, "Japan is the largest source of foreign direct investment in North Carolina."

"We are honored and excited for the opportunity to host Prime Minister Kishida and Mrs. Kishida, and we welcome them and their delegation to our beautiful state,” Cooper said in a press release. “This historic trip will strengthen the already thriving economic, cultural and academic relationships between North Carolina and Japan."

What will they be doing in North Carolina?

Kishida and his wife will attend a luncheon at the executive mansion with Cooper. They are also slated to tour different parts of the state, with more details to come in the next week.

What industries does this partnership affect?

Aerospace, electric vehicles and biotechnology.

What is the Southeast U.S. - Japan Conference?

The conference includes Southeastern U.S. states North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Delegates from Japan and the Southeastern states as well as business leaders gather to talk about global issues, according to the Japan-America Society of Tennessee website. The conference is held annually, and North Carolina is set to host 2024's conference this October in Charlotte.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Gov. Roy Cooper to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to NC