Governor Gianforte promotes Montana trade in tech energy and agriculture
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, alongside Director Streit, met with Japanese business and government leaders in Tokyo to strengthen Montana’s partnerships in technology, energy, and agriculture. The visit highlighted the state’s strong business climate and focus on innovation.
“Montana and Japan share a long history of partnership rooted in respect, innovation, and opportunity,” said Governor Gianforte. “We’re building on that foundation by expanding our collaboration in technology, energy, and agriculture to create more good-paying jobs and investment in Montana and Japanese communities.”
During meetings with Keidanren, Japan’s largest business federation, the governor highlighted Montana’s pro-business environment and growing innovation economy. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in advanced manufacturing, bioscience, and photonics. Representatives from the Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance, and the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center joined the discussions.
Montana ranks sixth nationally in bioscience industry growth and fifth for academic R&D expenditure growth. The photonics industry globally contributes more than $16 trillion to GDP. Montana has one of the highest per capita concentrations of optics, photonics, and quantum technology companies in the U.S., with decades-long business ties with Japan and Korea.
Governor Gianforte also met with energy partners including JERA Co., Joban Railway Line, and Mitsubishi RtM Japan, reaffirming Montana’s role as a reliable supplier of clean, abundant energy. Montana holds the largest recoverable coal reserves in the U.S., exporting around half of its 26 million metric tons annually to Asian markets.
The governor recognized Nippn Foods for its long-term investment in Montana wheat and presented a plaque of appreciation to President and CEO Toshiya Maezuru. Meetings with Vice Minister Takehiko Matsuo and METI explored collaboration in photonics, quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing.
The day concluded with a Montana Appreciation Reception celebrating over 100 guests and key contributors to Montana’s agricultural, educational, and technology sectors. These engagements continue to strengthen Montana-Japan partnerships, promoting trade, innovation, and economic growth for both regions.