INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels' trade mission to China and Japan is starting to pay dividends.

A dozen executives from Japan-based ITOCHU Corp., a general trading firm, signed a memorandum of understanding with Indiana Commerce Secretary Mitch Roob Thursday, agreeing to work collaboratively for economic growth.

The governor met personally with ITOCHU Chief Executive Officer Eizo Kobayashi on his September trip to Japan.

There was no specific announcement of new jobs, but ITOCHU pledged to promote Indiana business opportunities and engage in commercialization projects.

The company already has begun working with Indianapolis-based lithium-ion battery maker EnerDel and the Indiana clean technology partnership, Energy Systems Network.

"Formalizing Indiana's relationship with this highly regarded firm will open doors for the state to increase its profile of Japanese investment and will also provide opportunities for Indiana ventures," said Roob, who also is CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., a state agency.

More than 42,000 Indiana residents currently are employed by 220 Japanese companies with in-state investments of $9.8 billion.