Blunt talks Missouri business with Japan leaders

Blunt, Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Greg Steinhoff, Missouri Chamber of Commerce President Dan Mehan and other state officials, are in New York City to attend the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual dinner and meet with industry leaders.

Japan is Missouri’s fifth-largest export partner. The state exported nearly $547 million in goods to Japan last year, and Missouri’s exports there have increased 76 percent in the last five years. Chemicals are the top export to Japan, followed by food and kindred products, transportation equipment, agriculture products, and minerals and ores.

There are 70 Japanese-owned manufacturing companies in Missouri, which employ about 6,400 workers.

Springfield, too, is making connections with Japan this week. A delegate of city officials from Isesaki, Japan – Springfield’s sister city – arrived in town Wednesday.

See SBJ’s Nov. 12 issue for an in-depth look at local companies eyeing global expansion.