Chamber Strengthening Michigan-Japan Economic Ties

Detroit Regional Chamber Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah traveled to Japan for eight days in early September as a guest of the Japanese government, arranged by the Consul General of Japan in Detroit, Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori.

The purpose of the trip was to reinforce Michigan’s commitment to its long-standing economic partnership and friendship with Japan and to strengthen relationships with Japanese companies (particularly automotive-related) with large investments and employment in Michigan.

Michigan is Japan’s largest U.S. state for Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI), which, for over almost 50 years, has been a critical element of our state’s economy. More than 500 Japan-based companies operate in Michigan and directly employ more than 40,000 of our Michigan neighbors.

Baruah was asked to make the trip for several reasons:

• First, given the changes in U.S. trade policy, key trade partners are looking for informed American experts regarding this nation’s political and policy trajectory. Baruah’s long experience in Washington on Capitol Hill and with both Presidents Bush ‘41’ and ‘43’ could provide the candid perspective Japanese government officials and company executives would appreciate.
• Second, given Baruah’s past travels to Japan with then-Governor Snyder (and Chamber Board member) as well as his travels to Japan as the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce, he had the standing in Japan to be able to represent the U.S. and Michigan – yet in a nongovernmental capacity.
• Finally, given Michigan’s central role in the global automotive industry, several Japanese government and industry officials have grown concerned that other U.S. states were paying more attention to Japan than our state. Although, Baruah found during his travels great affection by Japanese government officials and companies for former Governor Rick Snyder and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Michigan’s efforts to secure and expand foreign direct investment in Michigan.

During his travels in Japan, Baruah conducted several high-level meetings with Japanese government officials, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and other government officials.

Most importantly, perhaps were, meetings with executives at Toyota, Aisin, Denso, Astemo, and Yazaki, as well as Keidanren (the counterpart of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) and others. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs escorted Baruah throughout his time in Japan – not a sightseeing trip (although he did have to stop to buy a pair of shoes as his dress shoes started to fall apart during his time at Toyota). Baruah also presented officials with gifts from the Chamber, including gifts from from Shinola, as well as gifts provided by the Governor’s office.

The Chamber greatly appreciates its friends locally, in Washington, D.C., and at Toyota, Denso and Aisin, in particular for helping with the VIP meetings and arrangements at their firms in Japan.

While the primary purpose of the travel was to represent Michigan’s interests, Japanese government and corporate officials quickly turned to Baruah’s thoughts on the U.S. policy trajectory and the 2026 and 2028 elections.

Immediately upon returning, Baruah and Glenn Stevens Jr. joined a small group of industry leaders, including Governor Rick Snyder, to welcome Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Shigeo Yamada to Detroit. At the event, hosted by the Consul General of Japan, attendees Snyder, Baruah, and Stevens discussed the economic and business connections between the U.S. and Japan, ways to build stronger ties between Michigan and Japanese companies and industries – and reflected upon the strong ties to Japan built by Snyder.

Baruah coordinated this invitation from the Japanese government with both the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Detroit Regional Partnership.