Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal is set to receive an award from the Government of Japan in recognition of his relationship with the country and support of Japanese businesses in Georgia during his time as Governor.
According to a press release from the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, Deal has been named the recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Star.
The release said Deal is receiving the award due to his implementation of policies to attract foreign investment. He also personally encouraged Japanese companies to invest in Georgia during his visits to Japan.
"As a result, the number of Japanese companies in the state significantly increased, and many Japanese companies made additional investments," the release reads.
Deal visited Japan in Sept. 2012 to attend the 35th Southeast U.S. / Japan Associations Conference held in Tokyo to serve as Georgia's official Head of Delegation.
"Governor Deal appealed for investment in Georgia at the conference as well as at the companies he visited," the release reads. "This was the first visit to Japan by a Georgia governor in five years."
He also visited Japan in 2013 and 2017 to foster trade and investment opportunities within the state.
"Governor Deal celebrated the establishment of Japanese companies, and attended numerous ceremonies, including groundbreaking ceremonies for new facilities," the release said. "In addition, by actively exchanging opinions with Japanese companies and incorporating their opinions into his own policies, he created a favorable investment environment, and contributed to forming positive relations with the Japanese community."
The release also cited Deal's history of attending Japan-related events, including the Emperor's birthday reception.
"In addition, in March 2011, in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, he sent a letter of condolence to the Consul General in Atlanta, expressing his readiness to provide support," the release said. "Furthermore, on March 22nd of the same year, he visited the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta and signed the Book of Condolence and Encouragement for those affected by the earthquake, demonstrating his solidarity with the Japanese people."
Deal served as Governor of Georgia from 2011 to 2019.
