Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) has dispatched various missions to each state in the United States since 2015 to emphasize the significant contribution by Japanese companies for the economic and social development of the United States through direct investment and other means. In addition, Keidanren has strived to build multi-layered relationships with the government, legislatures, and the business communities in the United States.

Recently, Committee on U.S. Affairs, Keidanren (Chairman: Jun Sawada, Shigeru Hayakawa, and Yoshiharu Ueki (at the time)) dispatched a mission to Indiana and Michigan, with a total of 15 members from 8 companies, from May 22 to 25, 2024. Mr. Sawada, Vice Chairman of Keidanren and Chairman of the Committee, led the mission.

During this mission, Chairman Sawada and delegation members participated in the Indiana Global Economic Summit held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Keidanren's participation at the summit was in response to a direct invitation from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb during a meeting with the Committee when Governor Holcomb visited Japan in September 2023.

In addition, Chaiman Sawada and delegation members met individually with Governor Holcomb of Indiana and Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan (prior to visiting Indiana), in order to strengthen relationships with both states which have a significant impact on the business activities of Japanese companies.

The outline of the meetings is as follows:

Meetings with state governors

At meetings with both governors, Mr. Sawada and the Committee members emphasized that Japanese companies have contributed to the development of state economies for many years through direct investment, creating jobs, etc. in various parts of the United States.

With the upcoming presidential election in November, Mr. Sawada emphasized that the importance of the relationship between Japan and United States will remain the same no matter which candidate becomes president. Both governors expressed their gratitude for the investment by Japanese companies, and explained the policies and social issues that the state are prioritizing, as well as the attractiveness of the state as an investment destination. Both governors also expressed hope for further investment from Japanese companies and state government's commitment to support Japanese companies.

Indiana Global Economic Summit

Indiana Governor Holcomb emphasized that foreign direct investment is essential for the state's economic growth, and that investments related to the manufacturing industry in particular, where Indiana is strong, make a large contribution to the local economy by creating many jobs.

During the Summit, Chairman Sawada participated in a panel discussion. He emphasized that, in the post-pandemic world, a "glocal" mindset that combines localization and globalization has become important, and he called for maintaining the ability to innovate among allies in an increasingly multipolar world.

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The mission also visited Purdue University in Indiana, one of the nation's leading technical universities. In addition to touring Purdue University's semiconductor research and development facilities, Committee members visited the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy and exchanged views on economic security.

Free trade and investment have been given less priority in U.S. politics. Under these circumstances, through the exchange of opinions and meetings held by the mission this time, Keidanren was able to mutually reaffirm the need to rebuild a free and open international economic order and the importance of Japan and the United States working together to address global issues. This is of great significance and Keidanren will continue to actively engage in multi-layered dialogue not only with the federal government, but also with states and cities, and will contribute to resolving issues together with the United States.