Rick Scott Jetting to Japan

On Saturday, Nov. 2,Gov. Rick Scott will lead a delegation of more than 20 business leaders on an economic development mission to Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, Japan.

According to a press release from the governor's office, the delegation to Japanwill focus on increasing business development opportunities for companies from Japan to invest, grow and create jobs in Florida.Over the duration of the trip, Gov. Scott will meet with more than a dozen leading Japanese companies, and speak to more than 350 business leaders at seminars and forums promoting Florida as a superstate for business.

The total expected export sales reported by Florida companies that attended Gov. Scott-led international missions is more than $400 million, and the mission's goal is to recruit more foreign direct investment (FDI) for Florida and to encourage Japanese-owned businesses in the Sunshine State to expand. According to the latest data, there are more than 2,500 FDI establishments in Florida accounting for 236,000 jobs.

Japan's been a big exporter to Florida. In 2012, Japanese companies exported $6.7 billion to Florida, which was an increase of 19 percent over the previous year. Tourism to Florida is also popular with the Japanese -- more than 270,000 Japanese tourists visit the state each year.