Commerce Secretary Pritzker Announces Representatives from More than 60 Countries to Attend SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit

U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker announced today that businesses, investors and government entities from more than 60 countries will participate at the upcoming SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit (Summit), October 31-November 1, in Washington, DC. Every region of the world will be represented at this first-of-its-kind event.

The two-day event will connect investor  both foreign and domestic–with local, state, and regional economic development organizations (EDOs) in an effort to promote investment and support and create American jobs here in the United States.

“We are delighted that more than 60 countries will be represented at the SelectUSA Summit in Washington, D.C., where they will have the opportunity to learn why the United States is the premier investment location," Secretary Pritzker said. "This broad interest in the Summit is a testament to the interest of companies, investors, and government entities in doing businesses here in America. We’re planning a very productive agenda for Summit participants to discuss investment opportunities, network and learn about the U.S. investment climate and available resources.”

The Department of Commerce recently announced that four members of President Obama’s cabinet will be participating: Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew, and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman. Also in the speaker lineup there are currently six top corporate chief executive officers participating, including:  Laurence Fink of BlackRock, Daniel Doctoroff of Bloomberg L.P., Douglas Oberhelman of Caterpillar, Inc., Andrew Liveris of Dow Chemical Company, Eric Spiegel of Siemens Corporation, and William (Bill) Simon of Walmart U.S.

To date, EDOs in 42 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will be participating at the Summit. As an integral part of the Summit, EDOs will be prepared to discuss their investment attraction strategies with potential investors.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a critical role in the U.S. economy, which is why President Obama launched SelectUSA, the first-ever U.S. government-wide initiative to promote and facilitate investment in the United States. The Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is working closely with U.S. government agencies, including the Department of State and embassy and consular posts around the world to promote SelectUSA and the Summit.

“Foreign investment in the United States is a win for American jobs and a win for those who invest here,” Secretary of State Kerry said. “We offer the world's best infrastructure and the world's leading workforce to investors who want access to the world’s most attractive and stable market for high-quality goods and services."

For more information about the Summit or to pre-register, please visit http://www.selectusasummit.com/.