World Delegations Visit Wake to Learn about Thriving Economy

Wake County Economic Development (WCED) has the privilege of hosting delegations from all over the world to our area. These delegations visit our community to learn what makes this area have such a thriving economy and to learn about our innovative industry sectors. Already this year we have hosted both French and Hong Kong delegations.

In April, WCED partnered with the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) to host two clean technology-focused delegations from France.   

The first delegation was from the Cote d’Azur region of southern France.  Much like the Research Triangle region, the Cote d’Azur region, encompassing Nice and other parts of southern France, focuses on clean technology and IT innovation.  The group of company executives, city officials and economic developers came to our market to learn more about the Research Triangle region and to identify potential partnership opportunities.  This was the third time representatives from the Cote d’Azur, WCED and the RTCC had met to discuss business and partnership opportunities. 

WCED also participated in a meeting with a delegation from France’s electric transmission system agency.  This delegation was interested in learning more about the smart grid advances that were taking place in the Research Triangle region.  The delegation was able to learn about how the universities and the private sector partner and the innovations that spin out of these partnerships. 

“Having these two delegations visit in such short order is another great example of the global perception our region has as a leader in clean technology innovation and convergence of cleantech and information technology,” said Michael Haley, Director of Business Recruitment & Expansion for WCED.

The most recent visit was from a Hong Kong Delegation. Hong Kong is a springboard for economic growth in both China and Asia. On May 18, the delegation met at the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce to inform regional business executives about the city’s trade potential, competitive economy and thriving business climate. The Raleigh/Wake County and Hong Kong business leaders were able to discuss the potential for Hong Kong’s business expansion into other markets, as Hong Kong represents a unique opportunity for regional businesses and the ability to gain a market foothold in the growing Chinese market.