Governor Larry Hogan’s recent trade mission to Asia strengthened Maryland’s ties to Japan, one of the state’s important trading partners. On average, more than $4 billion in commercial transactions occur between Maryland and Japan each year.

The mission paved the way for additional foreign investment in the state and new export opportunities for Maryland companies. It also allowed Governor Hogan to join the governor of Kanagawa Prefecture in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Sister State relationship between Kanagawa and Maryland, a milestone reached in 2021.

Governor Hogan also welcomed the Kanagawa Science Park  organization as a partner in Maryland’s Global Gateway initiative, which connects international businesses with local incubators and accelerators. Global Gateway partners will offer eligible Maryland companies physical space and support in foreign countries; Maryland will also welcome companies from abroad looking to explore the U.S. market through the Global Gateway’s network of Maryland-based incubators and accelerators.

The trade mission also allowed the governor and his team to meet with representatives of several business organizations including the Japan External Trade Organization , the Japan Business Federation , as well as leadership from major companies such as Hitachi .

The trip concluded with a visit to the Yokota Air Base  to meet U.S. servicemembers in Japan. The visit was coordinated in conjunction with the Governor's Office and Maryland Commerce's Office of Military & Federal Affairs.