International Trade Administration - Invest in America

Invest in America is a federal initiative to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. The initiative coordinates across U.S. Government agencies to promote inward investment and address federal issues that may impede investment. Through Invest in America, the Department of Commerce promotes the U.S. economy as the best place in the world to do business. The initiative was launched in March 2007 and efforts are focused on outreach to foreign governments, investors, and U.S. states; and addressing business climate concerns by serving as ombudsman in Washington for the international investment community.

FDI is important to the U.S. economy, as more than five million Americans work for U.S. subsidiaries of foreign firms. These jobs represent less than five percent of our workforce, but account for 10 percent of our capital investment, 15 percent of our annual research & development investment, and nearly 20 percent of our exports.