|
|
4
International Ventures
Wayne County is home to over 200 foreign-owned and operated businesses from 26 countries. The region’s automotive heritage has been a major driver of foreign investment from Europe & Asia. Our businesses recognize the advantages of being located in America’s manufacturing heartland and in close proximity to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, which offers non-stop service to over 20 international destinations. In addition to our highly-skilled workforce and manufacturing talent, businesses are also drawn to our diversity and our cultural attractions. Together, these assets make Wayne County a great place to work, live, and play.
China Program & China Trade Mission
China Program Page
With the help of the Detroit Regional Chamber and in partnership with the Greater Wayne County Economic Development Corporation (GWEDC), CEO Robert Ficano has led a trade mission to China each year since 2005, visiting several cities during each visit. The China Trade Mission has been critical to bringing Chinese investment into Wayne County including the creation of the Detroit International Auto Salon and the opening of an R&D center by Century Automotives, a subsidiary of the Tempo Group.
Partners
Detroit Regional Economic Partnership (DREP) 
The Detroit Regional Economic Partnership has been a strong supporter of Wayne County’s international business attraction efforts through their Global Business Development Program. The Program is comprised of regional marketing programs targeting companies in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, Australia/New Zealand and the Detroit area.
TechTown
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park, Detroit, MI
Wayne County has developed an ongoing partnership with TechTown to attract international business to the region. Located in Detroit’s Midtown district on the campus of Wayne State University, TechTown has a number of initiatives with international partners aimed at educating entrepreneurs on international trade laws and driving research in high-growth industries. TechTown has specific initiatives aimed at attracting Mexican, Canadian, Chinese, Indian, and Central European businesses.
Detroit Chinese Business Association
The Detroit Chinese Business Association (DCBA) is a non-profit organization operating in the State of Michigan. Its primary responsibility is to foster beneficial business relationship between Chinese and American business. It also serves as a catalyst to promote entrepreneurship within the Chinese American community.
TechBA
TechBA is a technology accelerator program created 15-years ago by the Ministry of Economy of Mexico and the U.S.- Mexico Foundation of Science. TechBA signed one of four worldwide agreements with TechTown to locate in Detroit and partner with Michigan automotive and energy companies. Over the next three years, 35 to 50 established Mexican technology companies will expand here and hire local talent.
Projects & Resources
Detroit International Auto Salon
Allen Park, MI
Wayne County played a lead roll in identifying a site for the Detroit International Auto Salon, an auto parts mall catering to OEM, Tier 1, and Tier 2 auto parts buyers. Conceived by Asia Forging Supply Ltd and the result of CEO Ficano’s trade missions to China, the Auto Salon reflects China’s emerging presence in the automotive industry.
