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Molnau Leading Delegation to Japan-Midwest Business Conference

St. Paul – Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau will lead a Minnesota delegation to Milwaukee in September to attend an annual conference promoting trade and investment between Japan and the U.S. Midwest. The Minnesota delegation will attend the 40th annual joint meeting of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association, based in Chicago, and the Japan-Midwest U.S. Association, based in Tokyo, at the Hilton City Center Hotel in downtown Milwaukee on Sept. 7-9.

The Minnesota Trade Office is encouraging Minnesota-based companies, organizations or individuals interested in trade and investment with Japan to join the delegation. The Minnesota delegation and groups from other Midwestern states will be joined at the three-day conference by dozens of government and business leaders from Japan.

“This annual event, which is held in alternate years in Japan and the United States, is always well-attended by business leaders from major Japanese companies and firms from the Midwest,” said Tony Lorusso, executive director of the Minnesota Trade Office.

Presentations, workshops and networking events are planned for the conference. Speakers will include the CEO of Kikkoman Corp., the chairman of Toshiba Corp., the president of Toyota North America, and several U.S. governors and lieutenant governors.

Lorusso said companies, organizations and individuals should consider attending the conference if they are interested in:

• Developing research partnerships or joint ventures with Japanese companies;
• Securing investment from Japanese firms;
• Starting or expanding existing relationships with major Japanese manufacturers; and
• Providing professional services to U.S. and Japanese companies.

People interested in joining the delegation should register by Aug. 15 at www.midwest-japan.org. Questions should be directed to Jennifer Kocs, international trade representative with the Minnesota Trade Office, 651-259-7488 or Jennifer.Kocs@state.mn.us.

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