LAVERGNE, TN - Gov. Bill Haslam is spending next week in Japan to take part in a trade mission with delegations from other Southeastern states and to meet with businesses with current or potential investments in Tennessee.

Haslam said after a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new Saks Inc. distribution center in Rutherford County that the trip underscores the importance that Japanese companies have within the state economy.

The 133 Japanese companies operating in Tennessee account for $14 billion in capital investment, and they employ 33,000 people.

Part of the governor's trip will be dedicated to attending the 35th annual Southeast U.S.-Japan Association meeting, which was hosted by Tennessee in 2010.

It is Haslam's first official visit to Japan as governor.