South Carolina’s pro-business environment has been attracting companies the world over for decades; and, as a result, the state has become a top destination for foreign direct investment. Since 2011 alone, internationally-based firms have invested more than $19 billion in South Carolina, bringing 43,000 new jobs to the state.
In order to maintain its prominence in world markets, Team South Carolina prioritizes opportunities to build relationships with industry executives and showcase all the Palmetto State has to offer. To that end, last week, S.C. Commerce led a delegation of economic development leaders from across South Carolina to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit.
Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, this annual event is aimed at promoting high-profile foreign investment in the United States. With representation from more than 66 countries, this year’s summit attracted approximately 3,000 attendees interested in doing business in America. Team South Carolina took advantage of the large international presence, meeting with more than 40 companies from 30 different countries around the world. Additionally, our delegation had the opportunity to meet with diplomatic leaders, such as U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland, South Carolina native Ed McMullen.
As part of this year’s Investment Summit, state delegations were given the opportunity to host international company leaders in their state. S.C. Commerce collaborated with the Upstate S.C. Alliance and S.C. Automotive Council to host a contingent of business leaders who expressed interest in learning more about the automotive landscape in South Carolina. In addition to visiting multiple existing industry facilities, the visitors were introduced to important assets, such as Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research and the South Carolina Technology Aviation Center.
Moving forward, as Team South Carolina seeks to build on its status as a leader in global industry, participating in events, such as SelectUSA’s annual Investment Summit, will be critical.