LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear is headed for Europe on an economic development trip to Germany and France.
The state says investment in Kentucky amounted to more than $28 billion in 2007, which was the most recent year with data available. Gov. Beshear said in a news release, "Already, foreign direct investment plays a vital role in our economy, with billions of dollars in value for the Commonwealth, but it's my hope to continue to grow that amount and capitalize on the global market."
Japan, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom account for most of that investment.
The state opened an office in Hamburg, Germany last summer to develop business relationships in Europe.
"We're seeing a lot of great leads come out of our Germany office, many that are close to making a final decision," said Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Larry Hayes, who will join Gov. Beshear on the trip.
"We are living in a global market, there is no doubt," said Gov. Beshear. "Our infrastructure, workforce, and incentive programs allow Kentucky to stand out as a prime location for companies, but we have to be aggressive about touting our resources and advantages to attract these businesses."
Kentucky has more than 400 foreign-owned facilities employing nearly 76,000 workers.
Information on Kentucky's economic development efforts and programs: www.ThinkKentucky.com. Cabinet for Economic Development on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ThinkKentucky
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ThinkKentucky.
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