Governor Josh Stein announced on May 5 that he is promoting investment in North Carolina at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA Investment Summit. Stein participated in the Governors Attracting Global Investment panel, where he discussed North Carolina’s strengths for foreign investors.
The event highlights the importance of foreign direct investment to North Carolina’s economy and its communities. The summit brings together state leaders and international companies seeking new opportunities.
“Economic development is a team sport, and no team works harder than Team North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolina offers a strong value proposition to investors. We offer a hub of innovation across growing industries, and our state’s most important strength – our people – will always be prepared to work in the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said, “Foreign direct investment plays a powerful role in strengthening our economy and bringing new capital, new ideas, and new opportunities to communities across our state. When global companies choose to invest here, they strengthen our economy and reinforce our place in the global marketplace. In a rapidly changing world, these investments help ensure North Carolina remains competitive, resilient, and ready for the future.”
During the panel discussion with other governors from Maryland, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, Stein highlighted workforce development efforts as well as investments in site development for target industries that contributed to North Carolina being named the 2025 Top State for Business. He also met with representatives from Austria, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, and Switzerland.
Recent major investments include Toyota opening its first battery plant in central North Carolina as part of a $13.9 billion project creating over 5,100 jobs; Novo Nordisk investing more than $4 billion in Clayton for pharmaceutical manufacturing that will bring 1,000 jobs; according to the official website.
Since 2020 top countries investing in North Carolina have included Japan, Germany, China, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom. Charlotte serves as American Airlines’ second-largest hub with more nonstop flights than any city its size nationally; Charlotte (CLT) and Raleigh (RDU) airports provide nonstop service to 24 international destinations.
Stein has also announced budget recommendations supporting workforce programs such as NC Career Launch youth apprenticeships along with grants aimed at small businesses statewide—a reflection of his commitment both to economic growth across sectors like advanced manufacturing or health care—and ensuring opportunity throughout all regions of the state.
