OVERVIEW
Worldly Advantages
Reach global markets from Washington, DC, the U.S. city for international business ranked #9 for connectivity on fDi Intelligence’s top Major American Cities of the Future.
The World Bank, International Monetary Fund and 180-plus embassies and policy organizations are headquartered in the District. Foreign corporations doing business in DC top out at 1,000 companies that originate in places like the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Japan and Egypt, to name some. DC is also ranked fourth for foreign investment in 2018 by the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate.
Access to DC’s ultra-educated talent pool are another plus. About 15% of the District speaks at least one of a dozen different languages, while 56% of professionals hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
From exporting to foreign direct investment, discover why international companies in Washington, DC have the world at their doorstep.
Data, Maps, Infographics:
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Market on the Rise
Washington, DC is climbing the ranks with foreign investment, especially its real estate market. Competitive pricing, supply and demand, and attractive financing are three drivers.
In 2018, the area posted $7.2 billion in international office sales, much of which originated from Germany, Japan and Norway. Development included most sectors across downtown and suburban DC, and as a result, GDP in the District grew at a rate of 4% to $144.1 billion, well ahead of the 2.9% pace nationwide
CBRE reported DC as fourth largest office-using metro region in the U.S. Nearly a quarter of all commercial real estate investment is coming from foreign sources, and more than 116 million square feet of commercial development is in the pipeline.
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Getting to Market
ExportDC advises DC-based businesses on how to sell their products and services in other countries. A team of experts helps determine if your business is export-ready and counsels you on how to prepare to export. Firms can take advantage of:
- Business matchmaking with potential international partners
- Opportunities to participate in international trade missions
- Post-mission business development planning
- Personalized counseling, free workshops, training, networking and financial assistance