A large economic delegation of the Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), headed by Mr. Iwasa, Chairman of the Board of Councilors, visited Texas between June 28 and 30. The delegation was composed of over twenty Japanese companies' CEO's and executives, all of whom lead companies in major sectors of energy, manufacturing, real estate, construction, telecommunications, transportation and insurance.
On June 28, in Houston, the welcoming dinner was co-hosted by Consul General Takaoka (→ his speech) and two eminent Japanese American business leaders, Mr. Glen Gondo (President of Sushic) and Ms. Donna Cole (President of Cole Chemical) . At the dinner, the members of the delegation were welcomed by political leaders such as Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Congressman Al Green and State Representative Gene Wu. They were also welcomed by American business and cultural leaders such as Mr. Bob Harvey, President of GHP (Greater Houston Partnership); Hon. Robert Eckels, President of Texas Central High-Speed Railway; and Ms. Suzanne Basalla, US-JAPAN Council Executive Vice President.
On June 29, the delegation respectively met with Congressman Joaquin Castro (Co-Chair, Congressional US-JAPAN Caucus) in San Antonio as well as Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos in Austin. During the meetings, members of the delegation exchanged their views actively with the two political leaders on various subjects related to the US/Texas-Japan economic relationship. |
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