Governor Jim Pillen and delegation members concluded their successful trade mission to East Asia on September 14.
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During the 10-day journey to South Korea and Japan, the Nebraska delegation engaged in high-level meetings with government officials, key customers of Nebraska agriculture products, leaders of manufacturing companies and investors into Nebraska’s clean energy sector.
“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers feed the world. Japan and South Korea are two of our largest, most dependable customers,†said Governor Pillen.
“During our trip, we were able to reinforce the unmatched sustainability and quality of Nebraska’s ag products. We built relationships that will open doors to new opportunities for Nebraska agriculture. We also strengthened ties with key international investors into our state’s growing clean energy industry.â€
The delegation, led by Gov. Pillen, included Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), representatives from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), state commodity organizations, ag businesses, and energy companies.
On September 12, group members met with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Tokyo. They thanked Mitsubishi for investing in Monolith Materials (based in Hallam, Nebraska) to support the development of technologies to produce clean hydrogen.
Leaders from the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) provided an update on the work of the Mid-Continent Hydrogen Hub (MCH2). Nebraska established the MCH2 with Iowa and Missouri to encourage the production of renewable hydrogen and other clean biofuels in the Heartland.
Prior to their departure, Nebraska’s delegates attended the closing ceremonies of the 2023 Midwest U.S.-Japan Association (MWJA) conference. The MWJA gathering is held annually, rotating between Japan and the United States.
The event includes governors from Japan as well as those from the Midwest. Gov. Pillen delivered a keynote address, noting mutual trade and educational ties with Japan. He also mentioned how Nebraska remains a leader in utilizing sustainable ag practices, to provide high-quality food products.
“They have more people than land mass, so they rely on our imports to help feed their families and provide feed for the livestock they raise,†added Governor Pillen. “Nebraska ag has an incredible impact here. We are helping to provide food and goods they rely on day to day in a secure and sustainable way.â€
During the trip, group members met with top leaders from Kawasaki, which next year, will be celebrating 50 years of manufacturing in Lincoln. The company employs around 2,400 people in and around the Capitol City.
The trade mission to East Asia is Governor Pillen’s second overseas trip to promote Nebraska. He led a team to Vietnam in July to market Nebraska’s food products to potential customers in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. ■