Shelby County, Tennessee, under the leadership of Mayor Lee Harris, is rapidly emerging as a hub for economic growth and innovation, with a strategic focus on global investments, particularly from Japan. As Tennessee’s most populous and diverse county, with over 929,000 residents, Shelby County leverages its prime location along the Mississippi River, a robust logistics network, and a business-friendly environment to attract global attention. In an exclusive conversation with GMI POST, Mayor Harris emphasized the county’s potential as a key player in Tennessee’s expanding automotive industry. “The opening of Ford’s electric vehicle assembly plant in West Tennessee is a game-changer,” Harris said. “This not only positions us as a leader in EV production but also creates opportunities for partnerships with Japanese companies, especially in areas like hydrogen fuel cells and battery innovation.” The BlueOval City project, Ford’s $5.6 billion EV plant, is expected to create approximately 6,000 new jobs and catalyze a wave of related investments. The county’s proactive economic development strategy is driven by its local agency, EDGE, and the Memphis Chamber. Together, they craft competitive investment packages tailored to attract international businesses. Highlighting Shelby County’s appeal, Harris added, “We offer a low tax environment, a skilled workforce, and an unparalleled logistics infrastructure, making us an ideal destination for Japanese companies seeking U.S. expansion.” Tennessee already hosts over 200 Japanese companies, contributing to more than 53,000 jobs statewide, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Shelby County also fosters strong cultural connections with Japan through events …
Shelby County, Tennessee, under the leadership of Mayor Lee Harris, is rapidly emerging as a hub for economic growth and innovation, with a strategic focus on global investments, particularly from Japan. As Tennessee’s most populous and diverse county, with over 929,000 residents, Shelby County leverages its prime location along the Mississippi River, a robust logistics network, and a business-friendly environment to attract global attention.
In an exclusive conversation with GMI POST, Mayor Harris emphasized the county’s potential as a key player in Tennessee’s expanding automotive industry. “The opening of Ford’s electric vehicle assembly plant in West Tennessee is a game-changer,” Harris said. “This not only positions us as a leader in EV production but also creates opportunities for partnerships with Japanese companies, especially in areas like hydrogen fuel cells and battery innovation.” The BlueOval City project, Ford’s $5.6 billion EV plant, is expected to create approximately 6,000 new jobs and catalyze a wave of related investments.
The county’s proactive economic development strategy is driven by its local agency, EDGE, and the Memphis Chamber. Together, they craft competitive investment packages tailored to attract international businesses. Highlighting Shelby County’s appeal, Harris added, “We offer a low tax environment, a skilled workforce, and an unparalleled logistics infrastructure, making us an ideal destination for Japanese companies seeking U.S. expansion.” Tennessee already hosts over 200 Japanese companies, contributing to more than 53,000 jobs statewide, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
Shelby County also fosters strong cultural connections with Japan through events like the annual Japan Festival, which attracts thousands of attendees annually. “The festival celebrates the longstanding relationship between Japan and our community,” Harris noted. “It’s about building deeper ties, both culturally and economically.”
With its strategic initiatives, competitive incentives, and cultural diplomacy, Shelby County is poised to strengthen its ties with Japan and solidify its status as a global investment destination.
