Governor Gretchen Whitmer is participating in an investment mission to Singapore and Japan, marking the first-ever official investment mission by a Michigan governor to Singapore. The trip is being led by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in partnership with a delegation of public- and private-sector leaders from across the state.
Key Points:
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- The trip is aimed at underscoring Michigan’s commitment to strengthening global relationships and welcoming business investment.
- The governor and the delegation are meeting with company executives, government leaders, Michigan university alumni, and trade representatives.
- Participants are highlighting the state’s competitive advantage, addressing the impact of tariffs and trade policy shifts, and showcasing Michigan as a stable, attractive destination for investment.
Japan:
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- The delegation is attending and participating in the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference.
- This conference is a long-standing gathering of business and government leaders dedicated to advancing mutual prosperity.
- Japan is Michigan’s 6th largest trade partner.
- 415 Japanese-owned companies in Michigan support 37,000 direct jobs.
Singapore:
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- Singapore offers a critical gateway to Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing market.
- Michigan leaders see this as an opportunity to connect its innovation-driven economy with the state’s own robust ecosystem of advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, and mobility solutions.
- In 2024, Michigan’s exports to Singapore totaled $283 million, with the majority consisting of transportation equipment, machinery, and chemical products.
Members of Michigan’s Delegation:
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- MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr.
- Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer Ben Marchionna
- AISIN World Corp. of America Executive Vice President and President of FT Techno of America Shin Sasaki and AISIN World Corp. of America Vice President Joe Rohatynski
- Battle Creek Unlimited President & CEO Joe Sobieralski and Vice President of Attraction Robert Corder
- City of Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke
- City of Novi Mayor Justin Fischer and City Manager Victor Cardenas
- DENSO International America Vice President Bob Townsend
- Detroit Regional Partnership Managing Vice President Alan M. Weber
- Japan Consul General in Detroit Hajime Kishimori
- Lakeshore Advantage President Jennifer Owens
- Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Business Development Manager Michael Abdallah
- Toyota Motor North America Vice President of Integrated Vehicle Systems Nick Sitarski
- University of Michigan Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnership and Economic Impact Kelly Sexton and Senior Directors of International Giving and Engagement Eun Ja Ya and Bin Zhao
