Mississippi officials meet with Japanese companies and ambassadors about economic development

Mississippi officials participated in the 40th annual Southeast US-Japan Conference in Greenville, South Carolina.

The conference is a way to protect and grow economic development activities between the Southeastern states and Japan.

Tupelo’s Mayor Jason Shelton said that he Was very proud to be part of the Mississippi Development Authority economic development effort led by Gov. Bryant.

“Both the Governor and Director McCullough do an outstanding job of leading economic development in our state,” said Jason Shelton, Mayor of Tupelo. “Our economic relationship with Japanese businesses are vital to our state and we need to continue to build and grow these relationships for our mutual benefit.”

MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough said that Mississippi is one of seven member U.S. states of the Southeast U.S.- Japan Association.

“The goal of Mississippi’s participation is to strengthen economic and cultural ties between our state and Japan to encourage more investment from Japan,” said Glenn McCullough, Jr. Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority. “The state is proud to be the only U.S. state which is home to both Nissan and Toyota assembly facilities. Other leading Japanese companies in Mississippi include Yokohama Tire Corporation, Toyota Boshoku, Ajinomoto Windsor, Calsonic Kansei and many more. By participating in this annual event Mississippi is afforded the opportunity to showcase the distinct business advantages our state can provide to Japanese firms locating in the U.S. or expanding their existing operations.”