Press Room >> 2010 Press Releases

For Immediate Release
March 22, 2010

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCES PHOTOVOLTAIC AND
RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPORT MISSION TO JAPAN

Columbus – The Ohio Department of Development's Global Markets Division will be leading an export mission to Tokyo, Japan from June 25 through July 3, 2010. The mission will assist Ohio photovoltaic and renewable energy companies with exporting their products to this market.

"This is a unique opportunity for Ohio exporters to strengthen their international ties and develop enduring business relationships," said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "In these evolving economic times, it is imperative that Ohioans reach out and take advantage of innovative opportunities."

The export mission, led by Ryan Miller, Global Trade Development Manager with the Department's Global Markets Division, will include participation in the PVJapan 2010 Exhibition at the Pacifico Yokohama Convention Center. Exporters are encouraged to utilize the Ohio branded trade booth at the Exhibition to promote their projects and services, as well as conduct business meetings.

Participating companies will have the opportunity to take advantage of free, customized one-on-one business appointments with interested distributors, agents, and others set up by Ohio's Japan Office, as well as briefings from the U.S. Embassy officials and networking opportunities with local business professionals. The meetings are designed to help Ohio business leaders develop valuable contacts for future export business, initiate sales agreements and leads, and strengthen ties between Ohio and local businesses, governments, and communities.

Japan makes up approximately 40 percent of the world's solar cell production and is the second largest country market for photovoltaic energy. In 2006, the country installed nearly 300 megawatts of solar photovoltaic energy and has set a target of 4,820 megawatts of solar power, the equivalent of five 1,000 megawatt-class nuclear plants.

The trip was strategically planned to integrate the PVJapan 2010, which last year had 20,779 visitors, as well as the Renewable Energy 2010 Conference and Exhibition, which will run in tandem. Visit www.pvjapan.org for more information.

The registration deadline for participants is May 14, 2010. For registration details, please contact:

Mr. Ryan Miller, Global Trade Development Manager
Ohio Department of Development, Global Markets Division
Phone: (614) 644-6476
Email: Ryan.Miller@development.ohio.gov
or Visit: www.globalmarkets.development.ohio.gov

Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio's future.

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Media contacts: Bethany Close at (614) 466-6619 or
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609