Sec. Canfield heads Alabama team in Tokyo for SEUS-Japan 45 summit
Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield is leading an Alabama delegation at an international conference in Tokyo this week that seeks to enhance the robust economic and cultural ties between seven Southeastern states and Japan.
The 45th annual joint meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan and the Japan-Southeast associations, known as SEUS Japan, officially begins today and features a full agenda of speeches, high-level panel discussions and networking opportunities on Friday.
Secretary Canfield said the annual SEUS Japan gathering allows members of the Alabama delegation to reinforce bonds that have been established over decades and to explore pathways to future collaborations.
“The long-standing partnership between Japan and Alabama continues to spark economic growth, create opportunity, and foster deep friendships,” he said. “That’s why I am looking forward to seeing this relationship blossom for decades to come.”
Secretary Canfield, who will make remarks to the group on Friday, said Japan is one of Alabama’s most important global partners.
Today, an estimated 90 Japanese companies have established operations in Alabama, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce. The roster of Japanese companies includes global names such as Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Daikin, Rheem and Dai-Ichi Life.
“The impact of Japanese investment in Alabama has been massive,” Secretary Canfield said. “Back in 1999, Honda announced plans to open an auto assembly plant in Alabama, and since that milestone, nearly $10 billion in Japanese investment has flowed into the state.”
