RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Meets with Michigan Students During Investment Mission to Japan, Promotes Michigan in Taiwan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

September 12, 2023 

Governor Whitmer Meets with Michigan Students During Investment Mission to Japan, Promotes Michigan in Taiwan

Whitmer becomes first MI governor to travel to Taiwan

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer concluded her investment mission to Asia by joining cultural celebrations with Michigan students studying in Japan, along with a visit to Shiga Prefecture, Michigan’s sister state since 1968. Afterward, Governor Whitmer traveled to Taiwan to meet with company leadership at ProLogium about opportunities for their next-generation solid-state battery technology.

“Since we first marked our partnership 55 years ago, Michigan and Shiga Prefecture have deepened our ties and remain committed to supporting one another,” said Governor Whitmer. “We value our partnership, which proves that Michigan and Japan are strong allies in creating economic prosperity for all our citizens. It was an honor to visit Shiga and meet with so many incredible people and innovative businesses. I look forward to reconnecting with our dear friends soon and continuing to strengthen our bond in the years to come.”

“I also had a chance to visit Taiwan, where I met with public and private sector leaders including ProLogium, a cutting-edge manufacturer of solid-state batteries,” continued Governor Whitmer. “My priority on this trip and every investment mission I have led is the same: bring jobs and investment back home to Michigan. Let’s keep sharing our story around the world and build a bright future.”

On Saturday, the governor joined Michigan students in Japan that are studying abroad through the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU). The program works to build and strengthen relationships between Japanese, Americans and people of every nationality. Founded in 1988, JCMU programs offer students the opportunity to study language and culture on the shore of Lake Biwa while participating in the community of the City of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, where the center is located.

In addition to visiting Michiganders, the governor also visited with Governor Taizo Mikazuki of Shiga Prefecture to celebrate the 55-year sister state relationship. Over the years this collaboration has led to partnerships with members of the Japanese business community that have created economic opportunities between Michigan and Shiga Prefecture, to a shared commitment to collaborating on the conservation and restoration of lake environments, like the Great Lakes and Lake Biwa.

“Our long-lasting friendship for 55 years is of utmost value, and I take great pride in its significance among exchange agreements between local governments in America and Japan,” said Gov. Mikazuki. “It is with utmost delight that I welcomed Governor Whitmer’s visit, sparing no effort in extending my warmest welcome to make sure that her visit was a memorable one.”

In addition to the economic benefit that is shared by working together these past 55 years, the cultural exchange that results from this relationship can be seen through the many sister state relationships and Japanese installations that are proudly featured in Michigan – from Marquette and Petoskey to Ann Arbor and Pontiac.

“Team Michigan could not be prouder of our longstanding relationship with Shiga Prefecture and the opportunity to reciprocate Governor Mikazuki’s visit to Michigan last year during our time in Japan,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “With a common interest in strengthening our economic ties, sustainability efforts and cultural relationships, we are committed to continuing our relationship with Shiga Prefecture to build a future of greater shared success and cultural exchange.”

Governor Whitmer also joined Team Michigan in visiting with Kellogg Company leadership in Japan, including Yukari Inoue, Vice President and Managing Director for Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. As the company moves forward with its announced spinoff in October 2023, the governor reaffirmed her commitment to the two new companies: Kellanova, the global snacking powerhouse, and WK Kellogg Co, the North American cereal company. She also reiterated the state’s support of their continued presence in Battle Creek and other locations in Michigan.

“Kellogg is proud to have a positive working relationship with Governor Whitmer and her staff that helps drive business growth and create opportunities for Michiganders,” said Kris Bahner, Kellogg Senior Vice President, Chief Global Corporate Affairs Officer. Yukari Inoue added, “The meeting with Gov. Whitmer illustrates her commitment to continued success for Kellogg, our stakeholders, and our communities worldwide.”

Kellogg Company is a Michigan-based multinational food manufacturing company with annual net sales of $15.3 billion. Their popular brands include Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Rice Krispies®, Eggo®, MorningStar Farms® and more.

The state of Michigan has a long and rich history with Japan, with more than 5,300 jobs being created in Michigan by Japanese businesses through more than $1.8 billion in private investment in the past 10 years. According to the Japanese Consulate in Detroit, there are currently 456 Japanese facilities in Michigan which support more than 39,890 jobs in the state. A third of those jobs are direct manufacturing positions.

On Monday, Governor Whitmer traveled to Taiwan to meet with company leadership at ProLogium about opportunities for their next-generation solid-state battery technology. Founded in 2006 in Taiwan, ProLogium produces solid-state lithium ceramic batteries for EV, consumer, and industrial applications.

Governor Whitmer pitched Michigan as the best place in the United States to invest, especially for EV battery companies. One-third of U.S. battery production and development takes place in Michigan. LG, Samsung SDI, Akasol, Clarios, Xalt Energy, GM, and Ford all produce battery cells or packs in Michigan. Michigan’s talent pipeline is immense, especially for automotive-related manufacturing. Michigan has top engineering talent from several universities and institutions that are eager and ready to join innovative companies.

In December 2021, Governor Whitmer brought Republicans, Democrats, and public and private sector leaders together to establish powerful new economic development tools that would help Michigan compete for transformational projects. Since then, the state has won $16 billion of projects and more than 16,000 good-paying jobs building electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductor chips, and clean energy—all industries of the future.

Governor Whitmer capped off the economic investment mission with a meeting with the deputy foreign minister to Taiwan and leaders from the American Institute in Taiwan.

The United States and Taiwan share similar values, deep commercial and economic links, and strong people-to-people ties, which form the bedrock of our friendship and serve as the impetus for U.S. engagement with Taiwan. Michigan has strong trade and investment ties with Taiwan across an array of industries. Taiwan’s world-leading semiconductor industry is of strategic importance for avoiding future automotive chip shortages. Taiwanese cumulative investment in the United States was nearly $137 billion in 2020. These investments directly support an estimated 21,000 jobs in the U.S. and $1.5 billion in U.S. exports.

Michigan’s legislature established a bipartisan “Taiwan Friendship Caucus” in 2022 to strengthen ties across various areas of the Michigan-Taiwan relationship. Taiwanese students have a good presence on Michigan campuses. In 2019, their counts were 280 Taiwanese students at the University of Michigan and 156 Taiwanese students at Michigan State University.

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