A 2008 study by IBM Global Business Services found that Indiana leads the nation in attracting new jobs through foreign investment for the second consecutive year.
Thanks to aggressive trade outreach efforts, a welcoming environment, and a business-friendly climate, Indianapolis is fast-becoming an international city. State and local economic development organizations, Mayor Greg Ballard, and Governor Mitch Daniels have all made it a priority to seek out opportunities for cultural, educational, and economic exchange that will help establish the city as a global presence.
For example, in December, 2008, the Mayor and six delegates traveled to Japan and China to seek trade and investment opportunities for the city. During that trip, Goodtime Science & Technology Co., LTD in Ningbo, China announced plans to establish a distribution center in Indianapolis in early 2009. This marks the company's first and only location in the U.S. and the first direct investment of a Chinese company in the city.
Trends
Over the past several years, Indianapolis has benefited from efforts to increase its appeal to an international market:
- Jobs. Indiana ranks first in the nation in attracting new jobs through foreign investment for the second consecutive year, according to IBM Global Business Services. And, the city ranked second overall for the attraction of production jobs from international companies.
- Investment. Since 2005, international companies have invested more than $8 billion into their Indiana operations, creating more than 15,800 new jobs. Companies that have invested in the city and state since 2007 include FoxConn, TS Tech, SMC Corporation, and ArcelorMittal.
- Population Growth. Between 1990 and 2000, Indiana's foreign-born population grew by 98%, according to The Migration Policy Institute in Washington, DC.
The International Center of Indianapolis
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International Center of Indianapolis (ICI) helps the greater Indianapolis community welcome and connect people of all cultures. Now in its fourth decade of service, ICI serves Indianapolis through programs that:
- Enhance local understanding of diverse cultures
- Facilitate communication
- Provide opportunities for citizen diplomacy and international exchange
ICI contributes to our region's global environment through programs and services that help make Indianapolis a welcoming place for newcomers from around the world. It has been Indianapolis' Window to the World, facilitating communication across cultures and engaging Indiana citizens of all ages in programs that foster understanding and dialogue.
Sister Cities
In December, 2008, Mayor Ballard signed an agreement in Hangzhou, China making Hangzhou Indianapolis' sixth Sister City. The Zhejiang Province capital is a Chinese cultural and commercial hub and its position as a manufacturing center makes it the region's primary economic engine.
Indianapolis has six sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International, Inc. (SCI):
- Cologne (Germany)
- Hangzhou (China)
- Monza (Italy)
- Piran (Slovenia)
- Taipei (Republic of China)
Indianapolis also has a sister city relationship with:
- Eldoret (Kenya)
World Trade Club of Indiana
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The World Trade Club of Indiana is an independent nonprofit organization founded to promote interest and activity in world trade and to provide networking and educational forums for those engaged in international trade and services. The World Trade Club cooperates regularly with other globally focused organizations to promote world trade.