Last week, Team South Carolina was well-represented on opposite sides of the planet, as S.C. Commerce led successful trade and investment missions, visiting two of the state’s top economic partners – Canada and Japan.
Accounting for more than $3.4 billion of South Carolina’s export sales total last year, Canada’s relatively close location makes it a perfect destination for South Carolina companies looking to expand their reach into new markets. The close proximity has also been key in helping the Palmetto State attract more than $750 million in capital investment from Canadian firms since 2011.
To strengthen relationships with our neighbors to the north, a delegation from South Carolina, pictured to the right, traveled to Vancouver for a trade and investment mission on September 24. During what was Team South Carolina’s second trip to Canada this year, a delegation of company representatives, S.C. Commerce staff and other partners held multiple meetings to advance the state’s export and industry recruitment efforts.
Simultaneously, approximately 5,000 miles away, another S.C. Commerce-led delegation made its way to six different cities throughout Japan. With more than $3.4 billion in capital investment announced by Japanese firms over the last seven years, the Asian island nation represents a land of opportunity for Team South Carolina.
Focusing solely on recruiting foreign direct investment, the delegation visiting Japan participated in more than 20 meetings, helping spread the message that South Carolina is an ideal location for international business.
Looking ahead, S.C. Commerce is planning return trips to both locations in 2018. For more information on how your company can get involved in the state’s export incentives program, click here.