The year 2014 was an exciting one for investment in the United States, which was again ranked No.1 by A.T. Kearney’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index. The survey of global executives was revealing, “The message here is crystal clear; the United States is back in the minds of global business leaders as the prime destination for their investment. Never in the 16-year history of this index has a country had such a positive net position”.

The long history of cross-border commerce, investment and trade between our two nations remains strong. As the recovery continues, economies with fair, open and predictable market principles such as the United States and the United Kingdom stand to prosper.

Throughout our shared history, FDI has strengthened both our nations. The United Kingdom is the single largest source of direct investment into the United States, representing nearly one-fifth of total US FDI stock. Similarly, the United States is the largest source of FDI into the United Kingdom. We appreciate the contributions of British firms, which are an integral part of the US economy. They contribute to US employment, research and development, exports and broader economic prosperity. In addition, British companies continue to strengthen best practices in sectors such as aerospace, defence and security, information technology and the biosciences.

The next SelectUSA Investment Summit will take place in March 2015 in Washington, DC, and it will offer investors a platform through which to learn about key issues affecting the investment climate and find opportunities from every corner of the United States conveniently in one building. At the ground-breaking 2013 Summit, President Barack Obama hosted a sold-out crowd of more than 1300 people from 60 international markets. Joined by five members of his Cabinet, the President made it clear that the United States is open for business. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker committed to providing the tools and information international firms need at “the pace of business”.

At SelectUSA, we have been working hard to fulfil Secretary Pritzker’s commitment. Housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce, SelectUSA coordinates across federal government to serve as a single point of contact for investors. We assist investors to find information and contacts, address regulatory questions, and access the resources they need for success. To learn how we can help you, please visit www.SelectUSA.gov

I commend our friends at BritishAmerican Business for their ongoing efforts and offer my congratulations for this successful edition of their annual publication. I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen the economic partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Sincerely,

Vinai Thummalapally
Executive Director, SelectUSA
U.S. Department of Commerce