The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced that Georgia will host the 42nd Annual Joint Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association and Southeast U.S./Japan Association in Savannah, October 20-23, 2019. SEUS-Japan is a prestigious gathering of global business leaders celebrating economic and cultural ties.

“Georgia’s longstanding relationship with Japan is critically important to our state’s economy,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Having the opportunity to host the 42^nd annual SEUS-Japan in Savannah is a win-win for the entire state as we welcome our Japanese friends, neighboring states and economic development partners to Georgia.”

Created in 1976 by former Georgia Governor George Busbee, the Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS-Japan) was established to promote trade, investment, understanding and friendship between Japan and the southeastern United States. Member states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, and SEUS-Japan has a Japanese counterpart, the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association.

“We are delighted with the support we have received from Georgia business leaders, our economic development partners and sponsors in order to host SEUS-Japan,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters. “Japan is a key international partner for Georgia. This conference reinforces how dynamic and deep-rooted Japanese investment is in Georgia.”

The State of Georgia has had continuous economic development representation in Japan since 1973. A leading business partner, Georgia is now home to more than 500 Japanese facilities which employ approximately 35,000 Georgians. Japan is also Georgia’s sixth largest trading partner and leading investor nation, ranking first in both dollar value of investment and total number of facilities. In 2018, more than 31,300 Japanese tourists traveled to Georgia spending more than $74.4 million, making Japan a top-tier market for Georgia tourism.

SEUS-Japan offers delegates from Japan and seven southeastern U.S. member states unparalleled opportunities to meet key contacts and leverage international connections. Event details below.

SEUS-Japan 2019:

Date: October 20 – 23, 2019

Location: Westin Savannah Harbor Resort

Title Sponsor: Georgia Allies

Co-Chairmen:

Teruo Asada - Executive Advisor, Marubeni Corporation

Virgil Miller - Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Aflac U.S.

Featured Speakers:

Governor Brian P. Kemp, State of Georgia

John Murphy, Chief Financial Officer, The Coca-Cola Company

Griff Lynch, Executive Director, Georgia Ports Authority

Visit www.seusjapan2019.com to learn more and to register. Deadline for registration is October 4, 2019.