Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Touts Missouri’s New Economic Climate During Visit with Japanese Business Leaders
JEFFERSON CITY–As part of his continued efforts to strengthen Missouri’s presence in the global economy to help create jobs, Gov. Matt Blunt met with Japanese leaders this week in New York City to promote the many advantages of doing business in the Show Me State.
Blunt last night attended the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual dinner and met with industry leaders to further cement Missouri’s relationship with Japan, the state’s No. 3 export market behind Canada and Mexico.
"There is a new environment for doing business in Missouri, and my job is to attract new jobs to our state and ensure that we take full advantage of the global economy," said Blunt, who in September also attended the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association conference in Cincinnati. "These meetings are a vital part of establishing the kinds of relationships that are vital for future Japanese investment in Missouri, and I will go where I’m needed to attract jobs to our state."
Among the topics discussed with Japanese officials included passage of litigation and workers’ compensation reform that are designed to make Missouri more attractive to companies looking to re-locate and create jobs. The governor also discussed the Missouri Quality Jobs Act that ties job creation to economic incentives.
"With its high quality of life, talented work force and low tax burden, Missouri is in a strong position to compete successfully in the global marketplace," Blunt said. "By reaching out to leaders in Japan and elsewhere we are positioning Missouri to create high-paying, quality jobs for our citizens."
Visiting with Japanese officials is significant because traditionally a long-established relationship is necessary before business can be conducted in Japan. Joining Blunt in New York City was Greg Steinhoff, director of the Department of Economic Development and Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin.
According to the Department of Economic Development, Missouri exported more than $433 million worth of goods to Japan in 2004 which was 3.4 percent higher than in 2003. The top three Missouri exports to Japan are chemicals, computer and electronic products and food and kindred products. While Missouri’s export totals for 2005 are not yet available, the state is on pace to break its record of more than $9 billion worth of exports in 2004.
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