Scott Talks Trade, High-Speed Rail With Japan's Foreign Minister

Gov. Scott met with Japan's Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara at the Capitol building Saturday afternoon to discuss Florida's high-speed rail project and expanding trade between Florida and Japan.

The governor made no pronouncements about high-speed rail, but announced he plans to visit Japan to hold further trade talks later in his administration.

He also said, I look forward to hosting a trade mission of Japanese business leaders in our great state to discuss the many advantages of locating their operations inFloridaand hiringFloridas well-educated employees. I am also excited to accept Foreign Minister Seiji Maeharas offer to travel to Japan to discuss business opportunities for exporting more Florida goods and products to Japan."

During the meeting, Scott pointed out the improved opportunities for job creation that businesses will have under his 7-7-7 plan, and how both Japan and Florida have an economic interest in the expansion of the Panama Canal zone.

Scott presented the foreign minister with a traditional basket of one-of-a-kind Florida oranges, cufflinks bearing the Florida state seal, and an album showing the scenery of the state.

The minister also made a brief presentation of Japanese bullet-train technology and presented the governor with a model of the Japanese high-speed train.

Read the full story in Sunshine State News.