2023 California Japan Trade Mission – March 12-17, 2023
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Overview
California is the fifth largest economy in the world with a gross state product (GSP) of more than $3 trillion. International-related commerce (including exports and imports of goods and services, plus investments) accounts for approximately one-quarter of the state’s economy. Although trade is a nationally determined policy issue, its impact on California is immense. California exports to over 226 foreign markets.
The California Chamber of Commerce supports expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products abroad, and elimination of disincentives that impede the international competitiveness of California business.
Mexico’s Ambassador to US Highlights Importance of Past and Future Trade Partnership at CalChamber Luncheon
The luncheon is hosted each year by the California Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento. Canada Day Lunch Focuses on Investors Helping Build Sustainable Economic Future
The February 22 gathering was presented by the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco in partnership with the CalChamber and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. |
World Trade Month: Engaging in Global Market Key to Keeping US, California Economies Strong, Growing |
CalChamber International Trade Issues and Priorities
There are numerous trade issues that affect the United States and consequently, California. Each region and issue page gives an overview, and links to related organizations and documents. To view the trade issues, please click here.
CalChamber Outlines Trade Priorities for Congress, Federal Officials |
CalChamber Council for International Trade
CalChamber Council for International Trade hosts trade events, forums, and guests.
International Activities
Overview
Looking Out for Business
Through our lobbying team and committees, we monitor state and federal legislative issues, as well as multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations on behalf of Californians doing business abroad.
Making Connections
We work as a clearinghouse of information for international trade. We encourage our members to share their international expertise, while also bridging the gap between government agencies and private companies, here and abroad.
Getting Involved
We give you as many chances as possible to grow your international business. Each year, we sponsor/co-sponsor trade and investment missions, educational programs and conferences, as well as trade and catalog shows.
Trade Missions
CalChamber delegations have participated in the state’s trade and investment missions. Members and CalChamber officials often participate in trade events such as International Expos and the World Economic Forum. Board members and officials have accompanied six California Governors to various worldwide destinations, including Mexico City to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA.)
Lt. Governor Led Mission to Japan – March 2023
From March 12 – March 17, 2023 a delegation of California businesses and state agencies led by Lieutenant Governor Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis and Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, traveled to Tokyo and Osaka for a trade mission to advance business, collaboration and partnership between California and Japan.
The delegation was made up of 55 private sector leaders from the agriculture, airlines, energy, and clean-technology sectors, as well as approximately 20 representatives from an array of state agencies. There was an additional group of tourism companies and associations, as well – bringing the entire California delegation to 100.
Lt. Governor Led Mission to Mexico – October 2019
From October 1-4, 2019 a delegation of California business and state agencies led by Lieutenant Governor Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis traveled to Mexico City for a trade mission to advance business, collaboration and partnership between California and Mexico.
The delegation was made up of 20 private sector leaders from the agriculture, energy, and clean-technology sectors, as well as approximately 20 representatives from an array of state agencies. Visit the blog to learn more.
Gubernatorial Trade Mission to Mexico – July 2014
Visit the blog to learn more about this successful trade and investment mission led by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., organized by the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Foundation for Commerce and Education, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with CalChamber.
Along with senior members of his administration and business delegates, Governor Brown traveled to Mexico City, the political capital and financial center of Mexico.
Gubernatorial Trade Mission to China – April 2013
The delegation traveled throughout China and attended the opening of the California Trade and Investment Office in Shanghai, California’s first official permanent presence in China in nearly a decade. With more investment deals from China than any other state, California is positioned to capture China’s growing foreign investment. Trade Mission Blog
Cuba Policy Trip
CalChamber Joins World Affairs Council on Cuba Policy Trip – April 2015
This nation-wide 20-member delegation met with high-ranking government officials, chatted with entrepreneurs in the emerging Cuban private sector, enjoyed the work of professional artists and musicians, heard from renowned historians and convened with diplomats and economists.
Awards
CalChamber’s Susanne Stirling Is Sacramento County Woman of the Year

CalChamber Vice President of International Affairs Susanne Stirling has been named Woman of the Year for Sacramento County by California Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa). The Senator recognized Stirling for her leadership and decades-long commitment to promoting economic development and cooperation between the state and other countries.“In many ways, California’s economy is tied to international markets, and Susanne brings a level of experience and knowledge that is critical as we successfully and safely reopen our state,” Senator Dodd said. “She has been an ambassador for international trade for many years and has continued to serve with distinction as we weathered this historic public health crisis. I’m proud to recognize her for her efforts to help our state’s business community.”
“I am deeply appreciative to Senator Dodd for this recognition,” Susanne Stirling said. “During this challenging time in our world with global-wide trade disruptions, my focus is to assist with the state’s economic recovery on behalf of the CalChamber through our international ties. International trade is a major part of the economic engine that benefits businesses, communities, consumers and our state’s prosperity.”
(CalChamber, March 25, 2021) Top Story

Trade Group Recognizes CalChamber’s Susanne Stirling as ‘Outstanding Woman of the Year in International Trade’
California Chamber of Commerce Vice President of International Affairs Susanne Stirling yesterday was presented with the “Outstanding Woman of the Year in International Trade” award by the Women in International Trade, Los Angeles (WIT-LA).
Stirling received the award during WIT-LA’s Global Trade Awards Gala in Manhattan Beach, which brought together 150 individuals from the international trade world to recognize and celebrate women who serve as role models and who have paved the way for others in expanding their own business. The Gala also promoted international trade by recognizing the impact it has on the growing economy and its importance to the Los Angeles area. (CalChamber, November 8, 2019)
CalChamber Receives President’s Export Award

The California Chamber of Commerce received the prestigious President’s “Excellence for Export Service Award,” the nation’s highest award to honor United States exporters.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke said that those honored at the November 2009 ceremony have “shown the foresight and ability to grow and prosper through a strong export strategy. Exporting U.S. manufactured goods and services plays an important role in rebuilding the American economy and creating jobs at home. With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside our borders, there is great potential to boost economic growth and create new jobs in America through exporting. Alert Article
CalChamber Receives Korean Presidential Citation

On December 6, 2012, the California Chamber of Commerce received the prestigious Presidential Citation from the government of the Republic of Korea for promoting U.S.-Korea trade and commercial relations, and specifically for contributing to the passage of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The CalChamber was an early supporter of the U.S.-Korea FTA, the culmination of a five-year process from negotiations, to passage and implementation.
Recent News
International COVID-19 Information Page, click here.
CalChamber VP of International Affairs participated in the project/podcast Going Global to promote business between Israel and North America, specifically California.
Visit the podcast link starting at 27:25 to listen as Stirling shares important information for Israeli business people, especially those aiming to do business in California, as part of CalChamber’s ongoing work to promote collaborations and partnerships between California and Israel.



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International Contacts
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International Events
Join us on December 7, 2023 at Leland Stanford Mansion, at 5:00 PM for a reception to welcome a delegation from Denmark looking to explore the energy industry in California.
The Trade Council of Denmark in North America, the Confederation of Danish Industry, and Danish Chamber of Commerce invites you to a reception at Leland Stanford Mansion to welcome a delegation of Danish hydrogen, Power-to-X, and offshore wind companies to California.
Earlier this year, Denmark launched the world’s first Power-to-X tender. The Tender was held to procure hydrogen produced by using renewable energy sources and is part of Denmark’s goal to reach between 4 and 6 GW of electrolysis capacity by 2030 which is expected to entail reductions of CO2 emission between 2,5 – 4,0 million tonnes. Winners of the tender will be building 280 MW of electrolysis capacity.
Moreover, the large wind resources and the massive expansion of offshore wind capacity conditions Denmark with great potentials as a leading producer of green hydrogen.
Over the course of a week, a diverse group of key stakeholders from 11 Danish energy companies will visit California to engage with leaders in the public and private sectors across the state, and explore new opportunities and partnerships to accelerate the deployment of renewables, green hydrogen, and e-fuels.
Please join us in welcoming the Danish delegation at a reception on December 7, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and register below.
Location: Leland Stanford Mansion, 800 N St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Please make plans to join us on December 14 for a timely webinar presentation and discussion of our new report The Importance of Reliable Clean Energy and Infrastructure for Mexico to Realize its Potential for North American “Nearshoring”.
December 14 | 9:00 AM PT | Virtual
Register here: https://bit.ly/cleanenergymx
Read report: https://bit.ly/3QOHN7X
The webinar will examine the specific challenges and potential energy-related solutions that will help determine just how successful nearshoring in Mexico ultimately becomes.
As our report discusses, nearshoring is here, no longer just a possibility, but starting to have a tangible impact. Further regionalizing North America’s supply chains through nearshoring helps to reduce dependence on far-flung trade routes, minimizes delays, and achieves greater certainty and control over supply and manufacturing.
Electricity has proven to be a particularly complicated challenge given the current state of electricity infrastructure, supply-demand dynamics, and the government policies currently being pursued. It may not only be an additional cost, but a potential deal-breaker for potential nearshoring companies.
The webinar features report co-authors: Veronica Irastorza -The Brattle Group, John D. Padilla – IPD Latin America, and Jeremy M. Martin – Institute of the Americas.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy holiday schedule to join us!
Arab Health is a significant event for the healthcare industry that brings regional and international policy drivers, thought leaders, and healthcare professionals to address and outline global healthcare challenges. Additionally, attendees have the opportunity to network with these global industry leaders and enable companies to showcase their progress and achievements in the sector.
Arab Health California Pavilion
Staff Contact
Susanne Stirling
Vice President, International Affairs