MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is leading an Alabama delegation that includes state legislators and community leaders to an international conference in Tokyo that seeks to strengthen the long-standing economic and cultural ties between seven Southeastern states and Japan.
The conference, taking place next Tuesday and Wednesday, brings together senior business and government leaders from the Southeastern states and Japan to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) and expand export opportunities across key industries.
The theme of the meeting is “Shaping the Future with Partnership, Innovation and Growth.” The Honorable George Glass, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Japan, will deliver the keynote address.
The Alabama delegation — representing state economic development officials, business leaders, elected officials and partner organizations — will engage in networking sessions, business meetings and presentations highlighting Alabama’s role as a trusted partner for Japanese investment.
“For nearly five decades, SEUS-Japan has served as a cornerstone of Alabama’s international engagement, helping to build relationships that drive investment and opportunity,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Japan has long been one of our most valued partners, and this conference allows us to reaffirm our shared commitment to innovation, growth and the long-term success of our communities.”
Economic bonds
With around 80 Japanese companies operating in Alabama, Japan continues to play a vital role in the state’s economy, particularly in the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors.
These companies are not only significant investors and job creators but also strong community partners across the state.
Since 1999, Japanese companies have invested over $10.1 billion into their Alabama operations, generating more than 25,000 jobs, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce. Along with Germany and South Korea, Japan ranks among Alabama’s Top 3 international investment partners.
“This conference provides an invaluable opportunity to strengthen Alabama’s economic partnership with Japan and showcase the strong foundation we’ve built together,” said Christina Stimpson, Global Business Officer for the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Our relationships in Japan are rooted in mutual trust, respect, and shared success — and we’re committed to building on that momentum in the years ahead.”
For Alabama, the event represents another important step in expanding its global reach and ensuring international partnerships translate into new opportunities for growth at home.
Significantly, the mission presents the delegation with an opportunity to formally celebrate the opening an Alabama business development office in Tokyo with partners Tractus, a globally recognized advisory firm that will represent the state in Japan.
“By establishing a presence in Tokyo, we’re reaffirming our commitment to our Japanese partners and to the shared prosperity that comes from deep, enduring relationships,” Secretary McNair said.
“It really represents a bridge that connects Alabama and Japan in a powerful, lasting way.”
Alabama team
The Alabama delegation at SEUS-Japan 47 will be the largest to represent the state at a joint meeting since before the pandemic.
Other Commerce officials traveling Tokyo are Ed Castile, Deputy Secretary and Executive Director of AIDT; and Hollie Pegg, an Assistant Director of the Office of Recruitment and Retention who is in charge of Asian strategy.
The delegation also includes a group of Alabama lawmakers, including Sen. Arthur Orr and Reps. Prince Chestnut, Kelvin Lawrence, Parker Moore, Mike Shaw and Andy Whitt, joining several elected local officials.
Japanese companies with Alabama operations, including Mazda Toyota Manufacturing and Daikin, will be represented in delegation. Also attending is Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul General of Japan (Alabama) and President of the Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA).
Representatives from Commerce’s economic development allies — including the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, the Morgan County Economic Development Association, Port of Huntsville, the Limestone County Economic Development Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) — will be also on hand.
Besides Alabama, the states represented at SEUS-Japan are Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Florida.
