This week, Maryland's international team is heading to Washington D.C. for the Select USA Summit, the top Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) event in the country. The event provides an opportunity for Maryland to showcase its assets in front of an audience of international investors and businesses. We know U.S. expansion is on the mind of many attendees, so to help make the case for Maryland, we've compiled a list of five reasons Maryland should be on the shortlist.

A Connected Location

Neighboring Washington D.C. has its advantages, including proximity and access to key U.S. and international decision makers, partners, and agencies. Maryland's central location on the East Coast — and only a three-hour drive to New York City — also provides great business opportunities for companies in Maryland.

TRANSPORTATION TO SUPPORT GLOBAL BUSINESS

Whether global companies need access to a deep-water port, or need to quickly access international airports, Maryland has you covered. Maryland's transportation infrastructure also includes four foreign trade zones, and a network of major highways.

INCREDIBLE DIVERSITY

With incredible diversity, Maryland is home to many foreign-born residents. In fact, foreign-born residents comprise 14.9% of Maryland's population, and three Maryland cities are among the top 10 in WalletHub's 2017 ranking of the most diverse cities.

RESOURCES & PARTNERSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

Maryland has more than 30 business incubators, including the Maryland International Incubator, which helps international, technology-based, companies successfully enter the U.S. marketplace. All foreign companies coming to Maryland can consider Commerce's Office of International Investment and Trade a key partner, ready to assist with a variety of activities, from identifying partners to site selection.

AN UNMATCHED WORKFORCE

Maryland companies benefit from a highly educated workforce. Maryland is first in the percentage of professional and technical workers, and has the nation's highest concentration of employed doctoral scientists and engineers. In Maryland, companies can be confident in a strong workforce pipeline.

Learn more about Marylands global assets.