With Commerce Support, Asia Trade Mission Signals Strength for Montana’s Key Industries
From Oct. 19-25, Gov. Greg Gianforte led a trade mission to South Korea and Japan. Montana Department of Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio accompanied the governor and first lady alongside key individuals from government and private industry. Staff from Commerce’s Business Attraction and Diplomacy, International Relations, International Tourism Program and Export teams joined the delegation.
Commerce operates Montana’s Japanese Trade Office in Kumamoto City, Japan. The Montana Japanese Trade Office is led by Commerce’s Mako Sakaguchi.
“It’s inspiring to meet with so many individuals abroad who love our state,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio. “Through our trade representative, Mako Sakaguchi, and our in-state team at Commerce, export, international and trade relationships with Japanese stakeholders continue to be strong.”
The Business Attraction and Diplomacy team at Commerce, led by Senior International Officer Katie Willcockson, organized the mission to strengthen ties with Japan and Korea. They provided planning and logistical support, facilitating partnerships among academic institutions, corporations and industries. Participating businesses used Commerce’s STEP Grant Program to manage the risks associated with entering new markets. Commerce’s Research and Information Services team supported participants with pre-mission research and in-country assistance to promote foreign direct investment in Montana and help local businesses identify opportunities.
The Commerce team coordinated planning, travel logistics, program design and stakeholder management to promote Montana businesses, attract investment and expand export potential. Defining objectives and target sectors, they collaborated with partners in South Korea and Japan and crafted a schedule that included official briefings, business-to-business meetings, site visits, seminars and networking receptions. After the mission, the Diplomacy team focused on debriefing and following up with businesses and stakeholders.
One of the businesses represented on the trade mission was Solo-Dex, a Montana-based medical device company. Solo-Dex recently executed a major licensing agreement in Japan, bringing its opioid-sparing regional anesthesia technology into one of the most respected and innovation-driven medical markets in the world. This milestone was the result of nearly two years of steady engagement — regulatory preparation, technical demonstrations and relationship-building with Japanese partners.
Commerce played a meaningful role in helping Solo-Dex reach this point by facilitating access to senior decision-makers and elevating the visibility and credibility of Montana medtech abroad. Solo-Dex’s trade mission representative, Chairman and CEO Steve Eror, toured partner R&D facilities and saw firsthand how warmly and seriously Montana companies are received in Asia. The trip not only helped secure the Japan deal but also opened new conversations in South Korea, strengthening Solo-Dex’s global footprint.
Eror said, “Signing the Japan licensing agreement marks a defining moment for Solo-Dex. Japan sets a high bar for medical innovation, and gaining entry into that market is a strong validation of our technology. The Commerce team’s support helped turn years of groundwork into a signed deal, and the mission sparked new opportunities that extend well beyond Japan.”
With over $600 million in goods traded last year, Japan and South Korea are vital partners for Montana. The trade mission supported nine businesses in sectors like coal, semiconductor manufacturing, bioscience and quantum technology. Efforts included fostering academic and industry ties in photonics and quantum technology, where both countries have announced significant investments. The Business Attraction team also engaged with foreign firms to promote Montana as a business destination, focusing on agriculture and mining to support local community growth.
International tourism also plays a key role, contributing around $161 million to the local economy.
For more information about Commerce’s Business Attraction and Tourism programs, visit commerce.mt.gov.
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