Governor Kotek’s Asia Trip Aims to Strengthen Oregon Trade and Restore Direct Portland Flight

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek led a trade mission to Japan and South Korea last week to explore export opportunities in advanced technology and agriculture, as well as to secure a nonstop flight between Portland and Asia.

The Oregon delegation consisted of key industry leaders and agencies who, collectively, attended 100 meetings to deepen economic strengths, expand trade investment opportunities, and promote tourism.

The Export Market with Japan and South Korea Yielded $2.5 Billion in Trade Last Year

On her return home, Kotek reminded that Japan and South Korea are among Oregon’s top 10 export markets, with $2.5 billion in trade in 2024. She said the trade mission made concentrated efforts ‘to ease market restrictions on agricultural products and regain a nonstop flight to Asia.’

The governor followed up her quest for a nonstop flight between Oregon and Incheon in South Korea by meeting with Korean Air and Delta Air Lines.

Kotek met with Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-Seok, who expressed support for a direct flight between Portland and his country. He also indicated support for increased investment in Oregon.

The Governor also met with Japan U.S. Ambassador George Glass, to discuss strengthening trade relationships.

Business Oregon Director Sophorn Cheang, a member of the trade mission, said delegates took advantage of the opportunity to promote the Beaver State as a premier global investment destination and to assist Oregon businesses in accessing foreign markets.

Port of Portland Executive Director, Curtis Robinhold said the trade mission opened doors to future investments.

Foreign Direct Investment Round-Tables Facilitated New and Existing Trade Relationships

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) round-tables in both Japan and Korea were a stepping stone to market Oregon to investors and businesses, and to forge trade relationships with new and existing partners.

Governor Kotek also met with executives from Kanto Chemicals, which supplies the semiconductor industry with chemicals, and the Asahi Glass Company (AGC), which has a semiconductor factory in Hillsboro, and is one of the region’s CHIP’s funding recipients.