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.