Secretary Pablos Delivers Keynote Address At First Japan-Texas Economic Summit

HOUSTON, TX – Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos today delivered the keynote address for the first-ever Japan-Texas Economic Summit, hosted by the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC). The Japan-Texas Economic Summit, the second regional summit hosted by the USJC, convenes public and private sector leaders from both Texas and Japan, and features discussions on collaboration opportunities in the fields of health care, energy, technology, security, manufacturing, education, and workforce development.
 
Following the morning panel discussions, Secretary Pablos joined Toyota Motor Corporation Vice Chairman Shigeru Hayakawa and Governor Hideaki Ōmura of Japan's Aichi Prefecture to deliver keynote remarks to a plenary session of the summit. Secretary Pablos affirmed Texas' long and powerful commercial, diplomatic, and cultural relationship with Japan and expressed confidence in the continued success of the Texas-Japan partnership.
 
"This week's summit serves as an excellent representation of the strong relationship between Texas and Japan - one that goes back many years and promises to be even stronger in the future," Secretary Pablos said. "Governor Abbott and I are honored that Texas is home to one of the first U.S.-Japan Council regional summits, which underscores the importance of Japan's partnership with the Lone Star State, as well as the enormous potential for growth we see today and in the years ahead. I am confident we will continue to collaborate in making Texas an ideal partner for Japan - in both commerce and community."

Texas-Japan Economic Facts:

• Japan is among the top five foreign investors in the Texas Economy, with more than $3 billion in capital expenditures between 2011-2016

• Japan's investment in Texas has created more jobs than any other foreign direct investor, with more than 12,000 jobs created between 2011-2016

• Japan is a top destination for Texas exports, as well as a top source nation for Texas imports

• The Texas-Japan trade relationship is worth more than $10 billion annually

• In the past four years, Toyota Motor Corp., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Kubota Tractor Corp. have all moved their North American or U.S. Headquarters to Texas

Watch Secretary Pablos’ keynote address at the Japan-Texas Economic Summit.

Learn more about the Japan-Texas Economic Summit.
 
Learn more about the U.S.-Japan Council

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