Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 11, 2002
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact: Sharon Wallace, CTED, 360-725-4019
Linda Waring, AGR, 360-902-1815
Mike Gowrylow, DOR, 360-486-2113
“Japan and South Korea represent tremendous markets for Washington products and services,” said Locke. “Given the current state of our economy, this trade mission is a valuable opportunity to expand Washington businesses, create jobs and strengthen our state's economic vitality.”
Locke’s main objectives for the mission include opening doors for Washington state businesses, meeting with key leaders to improve conditions for business and furthering trade, tourism, investment and cultural relations in these important markets. Locke had planned the trade mission for September 2001, but rescheduled following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Martha Choe, director of the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development; Valoria Loveland, director of the state Department of Agriculture; Chang Mook Sohn, executive director of the state Office of the Forecast Council; and more than 50 business leaders from across the state will join the governor on the July 22-27 mission.
The governor noted that Japan is Washington’s No. 1 trade partner and that Japan and Washington have been trading partners for more than 100 years.
Trade with Japan accounted for nearly 25 percent of Washington’s total trade in 2000, according to the most recent figures. Despite the economic slowdown in Asia, Japan remains the world’s second-largest economy and accounts for nearly three-quarters of the entire Asian economy.
With more than $1 billion in food and agricultural purchases per year, Japan is Washington’s top export market for the state’s agriculture and processed-food industry.
Japan also is Washington’s No. 1 overseas tourism market with more than 105,000 Japanese residents visiting the state in 1999, according to the Overseas Travel to Washington State Study conducted by Dean Runyan Associates.
“Companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks and the Seattle Mariners are known throughout Japan and South Korea,” Locke said. “We intend to increase awareness of Washington and our products and encourage even greater trade and tourism.”
The governor and his staff will meet with Japanese government officials to promote Washington and clarify issues affecting the import of the state’s products, such as fresh potatoes.
South Korea is Washington’s fourth-largest trading partner and constitutes an increasingly important market for Washington goods, services and agricultural products. South Korea also is the most wired country in Asia and the leader in implementation and use of Internet technology.
As in Japan, there is strong demand in South Korea for software, telecommunications services, medical equipment and environmental products and services. The two nations are top markets for Washington cherries, french fries, seafood and processed foods.
“South Korea represents a unique trading opportunity for Washington state,” Locke said. “We look forward to expanding trade, tourism and foreign investment with this important economic partner.”
Beginning in 1997, the South Korean government implemented reforms that put the country on a more open, market-oriented path. As a result of the reforms, South Korea has made it easier to import foreign goods.
“We must take advantage of this and encourage trade and tourism between South Korea and Washington,” the governor said.
The delegation plans to:
Related Links:
- Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development
- Department of Agriculture
- 2002 International Trade Mission to Asia
- Department of Revenue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 11, 2002
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact: Sharon Wallace, CTED, 360-725-4019
Linda Waring, AGR, 360-902-1815
Mike Gowrylow, DOR, 360-486-2113
Locke will lead international trade mission to Japan and South Korea
OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke will lead an international trade mission to Japan and South Korea in July to promote bilateral trade, tourism and foreign investment in Washington state.“Japan and South Korea represent tremendous markets for Washington products and services,” said Locke. “Given the current state of our economy, this trade mission is a valuable opportunity to expand Washington businesses, create jobs and strengthen our state's economic vitality.”
Locke’s main objectives for the mission include opening doors for Washington state businesses, meeting with key leaders to improve conditions for business and furthering trade, tourism, investment and cultural relations in these important markets. Locke had planned the trade mission for September 2001, but rescheduled following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Martha Choe, director of the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development; Valoria Loveland, director of the state Department of Agriculture; Chang Mook Sohn, executive director of the state Office of the Forecast Council; and more than 50 business leaders from across the state will join the governor on the July 22-27 mission.
The governor noted that Japan is Washington’s No. 1 trade partner and that Japan and Washington have been trading partners for more than 100 years.
Trade with Japan accounted for nearly 25 percent of Washington’s total trade in 2000, according to the most recent figures. Despite the economic slowdown in Asia, Japan remains the world’s second-largest economy and accounts for nearly three-quarters of the entire Asian economy.
With more than $1 billion in food and agricultural purchases per year, Japan is Washington’s top export market for the state’s agriculture and processed-food industry.
Japan also is Washington’s No. 1 overseas tourism market with more than 105,000 Japanese residents visiting the state in 1999, according to the Overseas Travel to Washington State Study conducted by Dean Runyan Associates.
“Companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks and the Seattle Mariners are known throughout Japan and South Korea,” Locke said. “We intend to increase awareness of Washington and our products and encourage even greater trade and tourism.”
The governor and his staff will meet with Japanese government officials to promote Washington and clarify issues affecting the import of the state’s products, such as fresh potatoes.
South Korea is Washington’s fourth-largest trading partner and constitutes an increasingly important market for Washington goods, services and agricultural products. South Korea also is the most wired country in Asia and the leader in implementation and use of Internet technology.
As in Japan, there is strong demand in South Korea for software, telecommunications services, medical equipment and environmental products and services. The two nations are top markets for Washington cherries, french fries, seafood and processed foods.
“South Korea represents a unique trading opportunity for Washington state,” Locke said. “We look forward to expanding trade, tourism and foreign investment with this important economic partner.”
Beginning in 1997, the South Korean government implemented reforms that put the country on a more open, market-oriented path. As a result of the reforms, South Korea has made it easier to import foreign goods.
“We must take advantage of this and encourage trade and tourism between South Korea and Washington,” the governor said.
The delegation plans to:
- Meet with government and business officials in each city, including agriculture officials
- Host investment and bio-tech seminars and information technology showcases to promote business investment in Washington
- Host a tourism roundtable to promote Washington state as a premiere travel destination
Who:
Gov. Gary Locke
Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development Director Martha Choe
Department of Agriculture Director Valoria Loveland
Department of Revenue Acting Director Will Rice
What:
International trade mission to Japan and Korea
When:
Depart Saturday, July 20
Return Saturday, July 27
Where:
Seoul, Korea (July 22-23)
Kobe, Japan (July 24)
Tokyo, Japan (July 25-27)
Related Links:
- Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development
- Department of Agriculture
- 2002 International Trade Mission to Asia
- Department of Revenue
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