Japanese Semiconductor Delegation to Arizona (JETRO mission)

On October 17^th and 18^th, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles joined the Japanese semiconductor delegation in Arizona, coordinated by JETRO Los Angeles.
 
As Arizona has been a major homeground to a well-established semiconductor ecosystem, JETRO Los Angeles invited Japanese companies that are keen to study possibilities of business expansion or investment in Arizona to participate in this event. Twenty-seven Japanese companies (Thirty-seven delegates total) joined the mission to better understand the investment, business and living environment in the Greater Phoenix area.
 
At the orientation kickoff, Mr. Chris Camacho, CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), emphasized how important it is to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and Arizona, especially now that semiconductor market needs stronger supply chains.
 
Consul General Sone, visiting Arizona for the first time since his assignment to Los Angeles, also joined the mission and highlighted in his remarks that this delegation is expected to be one of the pivotal events of future Japanese investment and further business partnership in Arizona.
 
Foreign investment has been attracted to Arizona, and is likely to keep growing in the long-term, thanks to advanced education, a stable climate and abundant electricity. Although Arizona was admitted as the last of the lower 48 US states more than 100 years ago, Arizona is now one of the fastest-growing state with 70% of its population coming from outside the state or country. We hope this delegation will lead to further investment and business opportunities for Japanese companies in Arizona, and their contribution to semiconductor industry.
 
The event included the following visits and appointments:

• Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
• Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA)
• City Economic Development Departments Introductions (City of Chandler, Maricopa, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise ad Queen Creek)
• Presentation from TSMC
• SEMI America
• SUMCO USA
• Arizona State University
• Maricopa Community College, University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University
• Intel
• NXP Semiconductors
• Presentations from Japanese semiconductor business consultants

 
We were also introduced to Arizona Gakuen School, a Japanese supplemental school in Arizona, and the Japan Business Association of Arizona (JBAA).