Title: Japanese Business, Trade, and Cultural Cooperation

Summary: Recognizing the importance of Japanese business, trade, and cultural cooperation with the State of Florida and the state's diplomatic, business, and cultural ties with Japan, etc.

Full Text:
WHEREAS, the historic ties between Florida and Japan date back to the early 20th century, beginning with the settlement of the Yamato Colony by Japanese immigrants in Delray Beach, which is now the renowned Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, and WHEREAS, despite ups and downs in economic relations over the years, today Japan is Florida s second largest source of imports and a significant investor in the state s economy and is the largest source of foreign investment in the United States, and WHEREAS, Governor Ron DeSantis, leading a high-profile trade mission, visited Japan in April 2023, reinforcing diplomatic and economic dialogues between Florida and Japanese officials and business leaders, and WHEREAS, in October 2023, Florida hosted another successful trade mission to Japan, during which Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Japan s Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiro Komura signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to enhance economic and trade collaboration between the two regions, and WHEREAS, in December 2023, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava led a trade mission to Japan, culminating in the signing of a Sister Port Agreement between PortMiami and the Port of Yokohama, further solidifying the maritime and economic connections between the two regions, and WHEREAS, these recent exchanges and agreements underscore the accelerating momentum in Florida-Japan relations, highlighting the significant strides made in business, trade, and cultural cooperation over the past year, and WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature recognizes the political, economic, and cultural ties between Florida and Japan, ensuring continued collaboration and fostering long-term benefits for both regions, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: That the Senate recognizes the importance of Japanese business, trade, and cultural cooperation with the State of Florida and the state s diplomatic, business, and cultural ties with Japan.