Strengthening Ties: Southern Ontario and Japanese Companies
Welcome Reception Held for SOMA Delegation in Nagoya
A networking reception, hosted by SOMA and the Consulate of Canada in Nagoya and supported by the Tokai Japan Canada Society (TJCS), was held on May 15th in Nagoya to welcome mission members from the Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance (SOMA) - a major manufacturing hub in Canada.
The event brought together approximately 50 participants from sectors such as automotive and aerospace to exchange information on SOMA's strategies and direction, and to reaffirm the importance of continued partnership.
Representatives from SOMA included:
- Len Magyar - President, SOMA
- Jerry Acchione, Mayor of Woodstock
- Brian Petrie, Mayor of Ingersoll
- Martin Ritsma, Mayor of Stratford
- Joe Preston, Mayor of St. Thomas
- Doug Kellum, Warden of Perth County
During the reception, President Len Magyar provided an overview of SOMA's role and the region's competitive advantages:
1. About SOMA
- SOMA is a regional economic development partnership in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, collaborating to attract foreign direct investment.
- SOMA offers services such as selling industrial land, assisting with site selection, facilitating connections with senior levels of government for funding programs, and providing employment services to help companies find labour.
- Geographically, SOMA is ideally situated between Detroit and Toronto - just 1.5 hours from Toronto - offering strong logistical advantages.
2. Regional Strengths and Infrastructure
3. Key Industries and Investment
4. Japanese Companies and Business Ecosystem
- Numerous Japanese-based companies operate in SOMA.
- The presence of these companies creates an ecosystem that supports new Japanese investment, offering peer connections, shared experience, and opportunities to learn from existing executives.
- This established network is a key selling point for attracting additional Japanese companies to the region.
5. Trade, Exports, and International Agreements
- SOMA is promoted as a launch pad for exporting to the U.S. and Mexico, leveraging its location and infrastructure.
- Canada has free trade agreements with Latin American countries, European countries, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and is a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), expanding market access for companies in the region.
In his welcome remarks, David Perdue, Consul at the Consulate of Canada in Nagoya, emphasized that SOMA has been visiting Japan for over 20 years, highlighting the deep-rooted relationship and reaffirming with participants the value of continuing this long-term partnership.
