International Relations
Leveraging global opportunities for Cleveland
International companies hold the promise of new technologies, increased capital and more jobs. Cleveland, with great access to waterways, highways, and the bustling hubs of New York and Chicago, is a natural choice for businesses establishing U.S. operations.
Cleveland companies already make many industrial parts and materials foreign firms need to produce finished goods. Boasting a workforce skilled in multiple trades and manufacturing, Cleveland also offers factories that potentially could be retrofitted to make critical parts global players need to compete in North America.
Conversely, hungry international markets hold untapped export opportunities for our region’s manufacturers.
Through global networking, personal contact, frequent correspondence and diligent pursuit, we believe international businesses and governments are becoming more aware of opportunities our region holds.
Our efforts focus on three areas:
Foreign relations
When conducting business abroad, personal contact and cultural savvy are critical. The Cleveland Foundation is working to connect foreign governments with officials from the State of Ohio, City of Cleveland, Port of Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Partnership who can personally explain opportunities in our region.
The foundation and its partners continue to forge relationships with countries boasting above-average annual growth and interest in establishing U.S. operations, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the European Union, India, Israel and Vietnam.
Global business attraction
After establishing a relationship with a country, we work to identify opportunities here for its industries. The Cleveland Foundation and its partners assist foreign firms looking to establish U.S. distribution hubs in our city or to outsource manufacturing to businesses in our region.
Cleveland boasts an ideal location, skilled manufacturers, affordable warehousing and proven expertise in areas such as materials (polymers) and renewable energy (gear boxes, liquid crystals).
Through the proposed Cleveland SITE program (Support International Trade Expansion), the foundation and its partners aim to assist foreign firms locating in Cleveland. Watch for more information on this developing program.
Global educational opportunities
The Cleveland Foundation is working with Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, to promote Ohio colleges and universities to foreign students looking to study in America. We’re also connecting Ohio students and workers with educational opportunities abroad.
Watch for more information about these exciting efforts.
Jorge Delgado
Director of International Relations