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Gov. Christine Gregoire Opens Washington Day at Aichi World Expo 2005 in Japan

For Immediate Release: September 20, 2005

KOBE, JAPAN - September 20, 2005 - Gov. Christine Gregoire today presided over Washington State Day at the Aichi World Expo outside Kobe, Japan on the first day of her 11-day international trade mission to Asia. The governor and members of her delegation toured the U.S., Japan and Toyota Pavilions at the World Expo, which draws 14 to 20 million people daily to exhibits by 122 countries. The United States Pavilion attracts 14,000 to 15,000 people each day.

Gov. Gregoire also held meetings with executives of four aerospace suppliers. She was joined in the meetings by Washington State Senators Jim Kastama, Puyallup, and Cheryl Pflug, Maple Valley; Representative Bruce Chandler, Granger; and Juli Wilkerson, director of the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. The governor and delegation members also presented a business seminar to about 80 representative of Japanese companies.

"I'm proud to see Washington state featured on the international stage, both as part of the World Expo, and with our reputation as a premier aerospace, life sciences, agricultural, wood products, education and tourism center," said Gregoire. "It's clear from our meetings today that Washington is known worldwide as a center of innovation and quality."

The governor and her delegation of business and education leaders met with Ambassador Lisa Guillermin Gable, U.S. Commissioner General, Aichi Expo 2005.

In later meetings with aerospace suppliers, Gov. Gregoire encouraged leaders of JAMCO, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki and Fuji to expand or locate new manufacturing facilities in Washington. JAMCO, a composite firm with a facility in Everett, already has operations in Washington. Several other firms contract with Washington manufactures to supply components for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

"It's a great honor for me to know the governor," said Mr. Osamu Terada, President of JAMCO. "We appreciate the assistance of Washington state."

Mr. Isao Kajino, Aerospace Company Production Manager for Kawasaki Heavy Industries, said "To be honest we weren't thinking about expanding in Washington but your visit today has given us momentum to think about it and study further how we might do more business in Washington."

"It was clear in the meetings that the CEOs were appreciative of the personal visit by high-ranking officials in the state," said Wilkerson. "They are aware of Washington's reputation and eager to learn more about how the state might meet their needs. I'm very encouraged by our conversations."

"This proves that personal contact leads to greater communication and further business success," said Sen. Kastama. "Key business executives came to us today without plans to expand business in Washington and left with a heightened interest in what the state and the legislature have done to attract aerospace manufacturers." Sen. Pflug and Rep. Chandler expressed similar reactions to the meetings.

In Tokyo, Valoria Loveland, Director of the Washington state Department of Agriculture led meetings with representatives from Washington state agriculture commissions and key Japanese agriculture trade ministers.

Tomorrow, Gov. Gregoire will meet in Kobe with Governor Ido of Hyogo Prefecture and will present him with a Tulalip Indian mask. She will also participate in the signing of an international education contract between Pierce College, Tacoma, and Osaka College and will tour a medical industry development project.

The governor's trade mission delegation is promoting Washington products, services and investment opportunities, with a focus on the aerospace and food processing industries, and raising the state's visibility as a premier tourism destination. They will also visit Beijing and Shaghai, China during the 11-day trip.

For more information on the trade mission please visit the governor's website:



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