A high-level Florida delegation, led by Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly, visited Tokyo as part of the 2025 Leadership Mission to Asia, reinforcing the state’s strategic partnership with Japan. The trip built upon previous engagements, including Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2023 trade mission and the SelectFlorida Trade Mission later that year, aiming to expand investment, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
The visit coincided with the 47th annual meeting of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS-Japan), a major platform for strengthening economic ties between Japan and southeastern American states.
Byrd emphasized the deep-rooted connection between Florida and Japan, citing shared values in economic growth and cultural exchange. He expressed optimism about expanding trade and investment opportunities in the years ahead.
Kelly highlighted Governor DeSantis’ commitment to cultivating international alliances, noting that participation in forums like SEUS-Japan allows Florida to showcase its strengths in aerospace, technology, and workforce development to Japanese business leaders.
Greg Britton, chair of SelectFlorida and director of the Florida SBDC Network, stressed the importance of global engagement for small businesses, which form the backbone of the state’s economy. He said the mission opens new market access and fosters partnerships that drive innovation and competitiveness.
Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida, underscored the state’s leadership in space commerce infrastructure. He noted that Japan’s technological expertise combined with Florida’s aerospace capabilities creates a powerful synergy for future growth in the sector.
Matt Swanson, Interim President of SelectFlorida, described the relationship as one built on mutual respect and collaboration, positioning Florida as a global leader in trade and innovation.
The 37-member delegation included state officials, economic development representatives, university leaders, port authorities, and business executives. They participated in seminars, roundtables, and panel discussions focused on manufacturing, aerospace, quantum technology, and infrastructure.
A key highlight was the Japan-Florida Space Industry Roundtable, co-hosted with Cross U, which facilitated dialogue on joint priorities in space commercialization. Space Florida, SelectFlorida, and FloridaCommerce issued a joint statement with Cross U, marking a milestone in bilateral space cooperation.
Panel discussions at SEUS-Japan covered higher education collaboration, industry innovation, and commercial space development. Florida leaders also met with Wakayama Governor Izumi Miyazaki to mark the 30th anniversary of the sister-state agreement established in 1995, celebrating decades of cooperation in education, tourism, and trade.
A major announcement came with the confirmation that ZIPAIR, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, will launch four new nonstop charter flights between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), enhancing business and cultural connectivity. This outcome followed sustained diplomatic and economic outreach, including DeSantis’ 2022 and 2023 engagements with Japanese officials.
The delegation also held talks with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on expanding collaboration in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, workforce development, and research. Currently, there are 119 academic partnerships between Japanese and Florida institutions.
Japan ranks as Florida’s eighth-largest trading partner and second-largest in the Asia-Pacific region, with annual trade exceeding $6.8 billion. More than 160 Japanese companies operate in Florida, having invested close to $9 billion and employing over 22,000 residents.
— news from SelectFlorida
— News Original —
Florida Strengthens Economic and Cultural Ties with Japan During 2025 Leadership Mission to Asia
TOKYO, Japan n nA Florida Delegation led by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly visited Tokyo, Japan as part of the 2025 Leadership Mission to Asia. Building on Governor Ron DeSantis’ April 2023 trade and cultural mission to Tokyo and the October 2023 SelectFlorida Trade Mission to Japan, the mission advanced Florida’s bold strategy to strengthen economic collaboration, drive new investment and reinforce the state’s position as an international hub for innovation, talent and growth. The visit centered around the 47th Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS-Japan) Annual Meeting, a key forum for fostering economic partnerships between Japan and the Southeastern United States. n n“The Florida-Japan relationship is deeply rooted in shared economic prosperity and rich cultural heritage,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “As we build on this strong foundation, I am optimistic about future opportunities for our two regions to expand trade, increase investment and further our friendship.” n n“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to strengthen ties with strategic international partners like Japan,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Trade missions like this one, along with our participation in SEUS-Japan provide valuable opportunities to highlight Florida’s economic strengths, connect with Japanese business leaders and reinforce connections that support trade, investment and job creation across Florida.” n n“Small businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy, and international engagement is essential to helping them grow, compete and thrive,” said Greg Britton, SelectFlorida Board Chair and State Director, Florida SBDC Network. “This mission to Japan unlocks new pathways for Florida entrepreneurs—expanding access to international markets, fostering meaningful partnerships and encouraging innovation. These missions continue to be a top priority in our commitment to create more opportunities for small and emerging businesses to succeed on the international stage.” n n“Florida is leading in building the global infrastructure of space commerce,” said Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida. “Our mission to Japan underscores Florida’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that drive real investment and opportunity. With Japan’s strength in advanced technology and Florida’s leadership in aerospace commerce, infrastructure and finance, together we are creating the next era of aerospace growth.” n n“Florida’s relationship with Japan is built on a strong foundation of mutual respect, economic collaboration and cultural exchange,” said Interim President of SelectFlorida Matt Swanson. “This mission strengthens those ties and signals to the world that Florida is serious about shaping the future of international trade and innovation. By forging these strategic connections, we’re driving long-term growth, attracting high-impact investment and positioning Florida as a leader in the international economy.” n nThe delegation of 37 included, state leaders, economic development organizations, universities, representatives from Florida’s ports and the business community. During the visit the delegation participated in business seminars, roundtable discussions and multiple industry panel sessions, further expanding collaboration in manufacturing, aerospace, space, quantum technology and infrastructure between Florida and Japan. n nWhile in Japan, the delegation participated in the Japan-Florida Space Industry Roundtable in partnership with Cross U. This roundtable served as a platform for open dialogue on shared priorities in the aerospace and space industries, fostering stronger institutional ties and potential partnerships. Additionally, the roundtable promoted a deeper exchange and cooperation between the space industry and government and research stakeholders from both sides to identify joint initiatives and future areas of collaboration. During the event, Space Florida, SelectFlorida and FloridaCommerce announced a joint statement with Cross U, marking a significant step toward expanding space industry opportunities between Florida and Japan. n nDuring SEUS-Japan, Florida representatives participated in panel sessions focused on bilateral cooperation, space commercialization, higher education collaboration and the advancement of industry technologies across both regions. These discussions highlighted Florida’s growing leadership in sectors critical to our future economy and the importance of expanding international connections. n nFlorida leadership also met with Governor Izumi Miyazaki of Wakayama, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement signed in 1995. This Sister State agreement has fostered three decades of friendship and collaboration in trade, tourism, education and cultural exchange. n nThe state of Florida also announced that ZIPAIR, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL) is coming to Florida and offering four new nonstop passenger charter flights between Tokyo (NRT) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), catering to Florida-Japan business travel and connecting families and cultures. The announcement is a result of several strategic efforts to further partnership between Florida and Japan including Governor DeSantis’ meeting with the leading officials and business leaders from Japan at the November 2022 SEUS-Japan conference in Orlando, Governor DeSantis’ April 2023 visit to Japan and the efforts of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to bring this win to Florida. n nThe delegation also met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to discuss shared priorities including trade and investment collaboration, research and workforce development partnerships, and new opportunities in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. Florida continues to expand its relationship with Japan through strategic initiatives, including 119 academic joint ventures between Japanese and Florida universities. n nAdditionally, the delegation hosted a business seminar highlighting Florida’s strengths in key sectors including aerospace and aviation, higher education, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. The seminar offered Japanese companies and universities direct insight into opportunities for trade, investment and research with Florida. The delegation also participated in a quantum roundtable discussion, providing a platform to showcase Florida’s growing leadership in this emerging industry and highlighting how the state continues to expand quantum research capabilities through public-private collaboration and academic excellence. n nJapan is Florida’s 8th largest merchandise trading market and 2nd largest merchandise trading market in the Asia-Pacific region, with trade reaching more than $6.8 billion annually. Florida is also home to more than 160 Japanese companies that have invested nearly $9 billion in the state and employ more than 22,000 Floridians.