Deputy Secretary of State Landau expressed his gratitude and excitement for the participation of international companies and economic development representatives at this year's SelectUSA Investment Summit. On behalf of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is traveling with President Trump, and on behalf of the American people, he thanked Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick for inviting him to speak today and extended congratulations on putting together a terrific event.
The exceptional speakers and programming at the summit underscore the vast scale of economic and commercial opportunity that exists in the United States. Since the first Investment Summit in 2011, SelectUSA has attracted thousands of international companies and economic development representatives, generating over $135 billion in new investment projects across the United States and its territories. This success reflects the economic opportunities in our country and demonstrates the importance of foreign investment in driving our prosperity.
America's openness to foreign investment and commerce is a longstanding part of our tradition as a nation. As Alexander Hamilton, one of our founding fathers, once said: "Every farthing of foreign capital, which is laid out in…industrious establishments of a permanent nature, is a precious acquisition…[and] will prove a rich mine of prosperity to [our] country." Landau believes that Hamilton was correct then and remains correct now.
Landau discussed the State Department's efforts to attract people like the attendees at this summit. He stated that the principal objective of President Trump's foreign policy is not to harangue foreign nations about "soft international norms" but to secure real results for American businesses and workers. Landau emphasized that the United States is an administration you can do business with, open for business.
The State Department has over 1,000 commercial officers stationed at its embassies around the world, providing a competitive advantage in almost every country. The department's worldwide missions are ready to help foreign businesses and investors partner with American public and private sector counterparts to leverage leading companies, technology, and workforce.
Landau shared that this year, there were 15 chiefs of mission who traveled with their delegations to SelectUSA — ambassadors and chargé d'affaires from 15 key posts around the world. He expressed his hope to see that number doubled for next year's event and is working towards making embassy teams an economic force that increases economic and commercial ties worldwide.
During his tenure as American ambassador to Mexico, Landau saw firsthand how foreign investment impacts the United States. He highlighted the importance of supporting those who are coming from foreign countries to invest in America and underscored the value of foreign investment to the American people.
Landau concluded by emphasizing why the United States is a destination for choice for foreign direct investment. The country welcomes job-creating investment, maintains an open investment environment that can benefit both economies, and encourages finding win-win solutions. He expressed his gratitude to those who are considering investing in America and encouraged them to capitalize on this golden opportunity.
In closing, Landau noted President Trump's historic actions on rebalancing global trade policy, deregulation, and tax cuts, sending a clear message that it is time to invest in America. The administration is committed to strengthening domestic capacity in sectors like advanced technology, critical minerals, energy, and manufacturing, reinforcing the United States as a global leader in innovation and economic growth.
The President has secured over $9 trillion in commitments from foreign investors since the start of his administration, driven by his commitment to revitalizing American industry. He is working tirelessly to welcome foreign investors and cut red tape through executive orders to create opportunities for international investors to partner with the United States.