exceed national averages. The state also has a strong university system, as well as workforce training partnerships, providing a highly skilled talent pool for businesses in a range of industries. 5. Strategic Location The infrastructure in Texas offers some logistical advantages, such as direct flights from Tokyo to Dallas- Fort Worth and Houston, deepwater ports on the Gulf Coast in Houston and Freeport, and extensive road and rail networks for North American distribution. Its location also makes Texas an optimal spot for accessing markets in Mexico and Latin America more broadly. 6. Cultural and Community Resources Texas has the fourth largest Japanese population (65k individuals) in the US, according to Pew Research Center. Metro areas such as Dallas and Houston have ample resources to support Japanese nationals relocating to the US, including Japanese language schools and cultural centers. Create Your Action Plan Japanese businesses entering or expanding in Texas should consider taking the following steps: • Explore potential benefits of doing business in the state, including cost savings, as well as logistical and infrastructural advantages. • Work with local economic development partners to identify incentives and other opportunities to give your business a competitive edge in Texas. • Develop a community-resource packet for Japanese nationals relocating to Texas. • Reach out to local university and community colleges to develop a talent pool and explore workforce training programs and incentives. • Engage with experienced legal counsel to build a compliant workforce planning strategy, as well as employment policies and procedures. • Determine logistical needs, including site selection, transportation, and facility requirements. FP’s site selection team has substantial experience helping Japanese companies select R&D and manufacturing sites in the US. Additionally, FP’s global consulting firm, Fisher Worldwide provides an international network of legal and HR consultants who can provide critical support. Conclusion Fisher Phillips can help you navigate US laws and leverage opportunities for expansion in the North American market. We’ll continue to monitor developments and provide the most up-to-date information directly to your inbox, so make sure you are subscribed to Fisher Phillips’ Insight System. If you have questions, contact your Fisher Phillips attorney, the authors of this Insight, or any attorney in our Texas offices or Tokyo office.
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