The American Gaming Association (AGA) hosted a briefing on casino industry for members of Japan’s parliament in Washington D.C. on Sunday.

The briefing for Diet members coincided with a trip by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the U.S., which included an address to the U.S. Congress on April 29.

“AGA is serving as a critical resource for Japanese influencers and decision makers on the positive role that casino gaming has played in the United States and other global markets,” said Geoff Freeman, president and chief executive of the AGA in a statement announcing its initiatives. “Casino gaming is a proven mechanism for attracting tourists, strengthening local economies and strengthening communities,” added the statement.

AGA will also hold a roundtable discussion in Tokyo about the casino industry for Japanese journalists on May 18.