Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and the Organization of American States (OAS), announced that 50-60 senior-level government, business, policy and economic leaders from 22 countries will participate in the 16th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) in the greater Seattle, Washington, region May 14-19, 2023. ACE is the premier economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurial network of the Americas and is one of the leading high-level events of the OAS that is coordinated with the federal government via the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
ACE brings together decision-makers from across north, central, and south America and beyond – including Ministers of Trade, Secretaries of Economic Development, and Ambassadors – to explore global partnerships and economic development opportunities. Each ACE is held in a different region in collaboration with a local partner. This year, Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is hosting ACE Greater Seattle in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce.
ACE Greater Seattle delegates will visit more than 30 sites throughout the Seattle region to engage with innovation hubs, advanced technology centers, leading firms, and educational/research institutions. Delegates will exchange knowledge and build networks – all while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development; strengthening supply chains; and increasing trade and investment opportunities to better connect and drive competitiveness across the Americas
“I’m thrilled that this year’s global ACE delegation will learn more about the greater Seattle’s thriving regional economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “ACE Greater Seattle will showcase world-leading industries and some of our country’s best examples of technology innovation, American ingenuity and business acumen. The relationships forged during this week are critical first steps in possible business, trade and investment partnership opportunities.”
The delegation is slated to visit and connect with representatives from multiple EDA grantees across the Greater Seattle region, including Snohomish County, Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington Maritime Blue, the University of Washington, 5G Agricultural Field Labs and EDGE Cluster.
“The ACE Greater Seattle delegation will see firsthand the incredible work that the Department of Commerce, as well as local and regional leaders, are doing,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This is a great opportunity to not only share our best practices, but also learn more about best practices from other local, regional, urban, and rural economic development models that are being used around the globe.”
For more information about the ACE program, please visit the ACE website. For more information on ACE Greater Seattle, click here.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.