Foreign Direct Investment

Great Companies Are Built in Pennsylvania

Great companies are built in Pennsylvania – including international ones. Domestic and foreign companies alike have reaped the benefits of Pennsylvania’s integration into the global economy. A leader in cross-border projects, with the largest network of overseas offices of any U.S. state, Pennsylvania is committed to breaking down the barriers to entry for businesses looking to locate in the state. Not only is Pennsylvania home to over 6,000-foreign owned businesses employing more than 250,000 people, we are also one of the nation’s fastest growing exporters. Major international companies including Shire Pharmaceuticals, Gamesa, Siemens, Almac, Nestle, Toshiba and others have all found a place in Pennsylvania’s vibrant business community.

Our advanced infrastructure, educated and reliable workforce, wide-ranging initiatives, and critical mass of academic and research institutions make Pennsylvania not only a desirable business location, but also the State of Innovation.

Pennsylvania:

Has an extensive network of international business development representatives that work to promote Pennsylvania exports and attract direct investment
Is the 18th largest economy in the world and the fastest growing exporter (84% growth since 2002)
Lies within 500 miles of 40% of the U.S. population and 60% of Canada’s population
Features extensive rail and road systems, three major ports, and six international airports---perfect for moving goods domestically and overseas
Has over 6,600 foreign-owned businesses that employ more than 250,000 employees

Pennsylvania Industries

Pennsylvania is home to a thriving business community that includes industries like advanced manufacturing and materials, business services, high technology, and life sciences.

Pennsylvania’s advanced manufacturing and materials industry contributes over $64 billion to the gross state product and includes powdered metals manufacturing, agro-food processing, and prefabricated housing
Our business services industry ranges from network systems and software to finance and insurance and is one of the most ambitious in the nation
High technology is a high priority for Pennsylvania. Our innovative programs and initiatives are growing areas like next-generation technology and alternative energy
Our life sciences industry includes research, emerging and mature institutions, medical device and diagnostic companies, and global pharmaceuticals. Business Facilities named Pennsylvania the #1 location for biotechnology in 2008

Pennsylvania Talent

Pennsylvania is known for its well-trained, hardworking and dedicated workforce. Pennsylvania’s job training programs ensures our workers are among the best in the United States. Our top colleges and universities produce new ideas, technology, and talent.

Did you know that Pennsylvania:

Has the 3rd-largest number of colleges and universities in the U.S.
Has four of the top 50 universities in the U.S. – the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Lehigh University, and Pennsylvania State University
Is ranked 5th in the U.S. for the number of doctoral scientists and 8th for the number of doctoral engineers

Start Here

Contact us. The Pennsylvania Center for Direct Investment is available to answer your questions about doing business in Pennsylvania. Our services are free of charge.
Find a representative in your country. Let our network of international investment representatives help you to locate, expand, and operate your business in Pennsylvania.
Explore our services. We can help you to set up your business, locate financial assistance, conduct site searches, and network with potential business partners.
Learn more. Find information on Pennsylvania’s legal, tax, and immigration requirements and policies.