Foreign Direct Investment
What is Foreign Direct Investment? It may sound like something extraterrestrial but, in fact, FDI is an important piece of the puzzle for a healthy economy. FDI is best described as a company that invests in self growth through building and establishing branches in other countries. FDI strengthens the regional economy by bringing new technology, capital, skills, and international connections and by creating new jobs.
Throughout its history, Los Angeles County has been a key destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)*. L.A. County is home to many recent and older foreign direct investments throughout our diversified industrial base.
Foreign Direct Investment In Los Angeles County: 2008-2009 Report & Survey » [PDF]
The World Trade Center Association Los Angeles–Long Beach
WTCA L.A. - Long Beach can help you make the most out of what Los Angeles County has to offer as the destination for foreign investment.
As the leading international trade association, trade service organization and trade resource in the L.A. region, WTCA L.A. - Long Beach works to support the development of international trade and business opportunities for L.A. County.
Facts about FDI:
- There are currently 4,521 foreign-owned and -affiliated business establishments, approximately 1.8% of all private sector establishments in L.A. County, that are doing business in L.A. County
- The top ten sources of foreign direct investment as measured by establishments
- Top five major industries with the most foreign-owned businesses
- Foreign-owned and -affiliated businesses by L.A. County Region
- Top five L.A. County cities where foreign-owned and -affiliated businesses are located
- Los Angeles—1,591 establishments
- Torrance—310 establishments
- Long Beach—212 establishments
- Santa Monica—134 establishments
- Pasadena—127 establishments
- Total FDI employees account for 9.9%, or one in ten, of all private-sector workers in Los Angeles County
- Direct FDI employees: 136,000 jobs
- Indirect FDI employees: 223,000 jobs
- Total FDI employees: 359,000 jobs
Country |
# of Establishments |
|
|---|---|---|
 |
Japan |
1,413 |
 |
United Kingdom |
794 |
 |
Germany |
334 |
 |
Canada |
278 |
 |
Switzerland |
196 |
 |
Italy |
165 |
 |
Netherlands |
154 |
 |
Taiwan |
127 |
 |
Australia |
109 |
Industry |
# of Establishments |
|---|---|
Retail trade |
981 |
Wholesale trade |
930 |
Manufacturing |
608 |
Finance & Insurance |
481 |
Transportation & Warehousing |
347 |
Region |
# of Establishments |
|---|---|
796 |
|
741 |
|
725 |
|
698 |
|
415 |
|
402 |
|
304 |
|
303 |
|
87 |
|
50 |
|
Total |
4,521 |
*"FDI" is defined as the partial or full ownership or control of U.S. business enterprises by foreign parties.