DENVER - On July 29, 2024, Gov. Jared Polis hosted a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States, Shigeo Yamada, at the Governor’s Mansion. Colorado and Japan are strong economic and diplomatic partners. Gov. Polis and Ambassador Yamada discussed opportunities to strengthen the relationship, including aerospace, quantum, and climate-resilient technologies. 

“Colorado’s strong relationship with Japan boosts our thriving economy by creating new investment opportunities and jobs for Coloradans. I am pleased to welcome Ambassador Yamada and showcase our state as a great place to do business,” said Governor Jared Polis. Gov. 

Polis first met Ambassador Yamada at the February 2024 meeting of the National Governors Association. Today’s meeting continues a growing relationship between Colorado and Japan. In 2023, Gov. Polis, officials within the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and a Colorado delegation of businesses and universities led an investment mission in Japan to explore investment opportunities and exchange ideas related to aerospace, renewable energy, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. 

Today, Gov. Polis informed Ambassador Yamada that the Global Business Development division at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) will support a delegation of four Colorado space companies to attend the Tokyo Airshow in October to deepen ties with Japan’s aerospace sector. Gov. Polis also welcomed increased cooperation with Japan related to the Elevate Quantum Tech Hub and the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine. 

“Flying back to the largest high-tech airport in the United States, I am captivated anew by Denver’s charm and the allure of its nature, people, and vibrant economy. Thanks to Governor Polis’s leadership, Japanese companies have significantly invested in this State. About 80 Japanese companies have been conducting business in Colorado in areas such as trade, renewable energy, smart-city, medical, and space,” said Ambassador Yamada. “Space startups operating here are expected to advance our collaboration between Japan and Colorado even further. I look forward to strengthening these ties by leveraging innovation and entrepreneurship in the private sector, as well as fostering people-to-people exchanges, including at the municipality level.” 

Japan is at the heart of the Asian-Pacific market, contains one of the most advanced economies in the world, and is well-connected with the U.S. and global commerce. The country is Colorado’s seventh largest export market, including meat, optical, and electrical equipment. Japanese firms have roughly $3.4 billion invested in Colorado's business community, directly employing around 10,000 Coloradans. This makes Japan a significant source of foreign investment for the state. The primary industries are biotechnology and aerospace. 

OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division regularly hosts foreign delegations visiting Colorado and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of the state. In 2023, GBD supported over 30 foreign government delegations visiting Colorado, including elected and appointed officials, ambassadors, trade commissioners, and consul generals. This includes diplomatic meetings with Governor Polis, site visits to promote Colorado's key industries, and meetings with local business communities across the state. 

About OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division 

Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state’s national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development. 

About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade 

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.