Business development activities scheduled in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan
Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore will travel to East Asia June 3-13, 2000 for a series of business development meetings with key corporate leaders in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The climax of the trip will take place when Governor Gilmore delivers Virginia's emerging technology leadership message to delegates at the 2000 World Congress on Information Technology in Taipei. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal will assist the Governor during the 10-day trip.
"I am excited to travel to Asia to promote Virginia as an ideal business location and increase interest in Virginia exports," Governor Gilmore said. "We will also stake our claim that Virginia is a world leader in information technology."
Events and prospect meetings in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan will promote inward investment, open new markets for Virginia products and services, and encourage activity for Virginia's ports. Governor Gilmore will serve as a plenary session speaker at the 2000 World Congress on Information Technology in Taipei on June 13. Keynote speakers at the Congress include Microsoft Corporation Chairman Bill Gates and Cisco Systems President and CEO John Chambers. The Commonwealth hosted the last World Congress in Fairfax County in June 1998.
"The Governor's strong commitment to economic development and international trade is evident by his desire to lead this mission to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan - all key markets to Virginia's economy," Secretary DuVal said. "Having the Governor participate in face-to-face meetings with business prospects is a definite advantage for Virginia in the competitive economic development business."
Virginia exported $2.2 billion in products to Japan, Korea and Taiwan in 1998. Collectively, Japan, Korea and Taiwan have invested over $3.6 billion in Virginia facilities, employing over 12,000 people.
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