Walker to continue focusing on attracting investments to Wisconsin during mission

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker and WEDC today announced that Gov. Walker is leading a trade mission to South Korea and Japan, September 8–16, 2017, to continue encouraging foreign companies to invest in Wisconsin and to help state companies strengthen exporting efforts.

“The historic $10 billion investment Foxconn is making in Wisconsin is a clear sign that businesses around the world are recognizing the many benefits of establishing operations in our state, including our strong business climate and outstanding workforce,” Governor Walker said. “We’re going to build upon the momentum created by Wisconn Valley and continue to make a strong case for why companies in these two countries should consider expanding in Wisconsin.”

Governor Walker announced the trade mission Wednesday in a joint press conference at the Capitol with Ahn Ho-young, South Korea’s ambassador to the United States, who is visiting Wisconsin this week.

“Ambassador Ahn and I discussed ways to strengthen the existing bonds between Wisconsin and South Korea, and we look forward to further developing our existing economic partnership,” Governor Walker said. “Since 2010, Wisconsin exports to South Korea have grown by 33 percent, and as that country’s economy continues to expand, it will open up even more markets for Wisconsin businesses.”

“My first and foremost reason for being in Madison is to thank Governor Walker for leading the delegation to Korea and to visit each member of the delegation and thank them for their participation and to address their questions,” Ambassador Ahn said. “This trip to Madison isn’t just a visit, it is a personal pilgrimage for me – to learn more about the state and its political leaders, and to learn more about why Wisconsin’s economy is doing so well.”

In the trade mission to South Korea and Japan, Governor Walker will lead a delegation including leaders from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and executives from eight Wisconsin companies.

During the trade mission, the company executives will engage in targeted, one-on-one meetings with potential business partners coordinated by WEDC’s authorized trade representatives in those countries. Governor Walker and WEDC leaders will participate in meetings with companies in Tokyo and Seoul to discuss expansion or investment opportunities in Wisconsin. The governor also will meet with Japanese and South Korean government officials and industry leaders.

The trip is timed to coincide with the Midwest U.S.-Japan Conference in Tokyo, an annual meeting with business and government representatives from 10 Midwest states and Japan. Governor Walker will participate in the conference.

Additional details on the governor’s trade mission will be made available closer to the date of the mission.

In addition to helping Wisconsin companies accelerate their ability to export, the trade mission is part of the state’s foreign direct investment strategy, which calls for focusing on attracting overseas companies that best fit into Wisconsin’s historic and emerging sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, water technology, biotech and medical devices, and food and beverage processing.

WEDC will host five additional international trips over the next year: Israel, Oct. 27 – Nov. 3, Mexico, Jan. 27-Feb. 3; Canada, March 18-23; China, April 13-25; and Germany, June 23-30. For information on those trips, visit www.inwisconsin.com/export/goglobal.