Rauner Headed on First International Trip as Governor

Intersect Illinois will join Governor Rauner and members of the Illinois delegation on the upcoming trade mission to Japan and China, a trip which also marks the Governor’s first international tour.

Intersect Illinois President and CEO Mark Peterson will join the Governor Rauner, Erik Brejla, Assistant Deputy Director, Regional Economic Development, from the Illinois Department of Commerce and leaders in business, education, and the government on the trade mission from September 9-17. The delegation’s trip will begin in Tokyo at the Midwest U.S.–Japan Association Conference, before traveling to Nagoya and then to the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Hangzhou.

“Japan and China are vital to Illinois’ global business activities and these meetings will cement the already strong relationship,” stated Intersect Illinois President and CEO Mark Peterson. “I believe Illinois’ presence at the conference and meetings will encourage business development growth in the future benefiting Illinois, Japan, and China. Having members of the Illinois business and education community join this mission shows the real commitment of Illinois to invest and grow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the state.”

Supporters say the mission is an important in-person opportunity to build trade ties between Illinois and the two countries. This is a work trip whose objectives will include corporate recruitment with companies who do not have an Illinois operation as well as business retention and expansion meetings with existing Illinois investors to strengthen the relationships. These substantive meetings between the delegation and companies will reinforce the mutual benefits of FDI into Illinois.

The trade mission is also a significant investment in the Japanese and Chinese business partnerships so the Illinois, Japanese, and Chinese economies can grow and expand around the world. The mission will begin in Tokyo as Governor Rauner will attend the Midwest-USA Japan Conference, an event that was started by former Illinois Governor James R. Thompson 49 years ago. The Midwest U.S.–Japan Association Conference is held annually to discuss the growth and progress of economic relations of the American Midwest and Japan. The visit will continue with meetings with government officials and business leaders to discuss additional business, investment and job creation opportunities between Illinois and Japan and Illinois and China.