A group of business and community leaders in Peoria met with the Japanese Consul General Monday.
Consul General Naoki Ito was assigned to Chicago in February and vowed to pursue further economic opportunities for Japan in the Midwest.
He says Peoria’s strengths in Agribusiness, healthcare and manufacturing largely mirrors the Japanese economy. “Surely we can see some good match between Peoria, Illinois and Japan. I think through the networking today, I think we should pave the way for further specific conversation leading up to some sort of business deal,” Ito said.
There are 11 Japanese businesses already located in the Greater Peoria Area that employ about 1,000 people. Komatsu is the largest Japan-based company and employer in the area. Several members of the visiting Japanese delegation are with the heavy equipment maker.
Japanese businesses employ about 44,0000 people statewide.
Komatsu is the largest Japan-based company and employer in the area. Several members of the visiting Japanese delegation are with the heavy equipment maker.