Bellevue as a Center for International Trade
PresentationNovember 10, 2009
Thomas Boydell Economic Development Manager
Purpose of International TradeDiversify local economy and feed
expansionDowntownBel-Red visionSupport to technology entrepreneurismInvestment
Build off Bellevue’s StrengthsInternationally diverse populationSchools, cultural amenities, and
communityGood access, parking, and low crime Location in region and globallyBusiness Strengths – e.g., proximity to
MSFT, Boeing, UWExpand based on global market
opportunities
Downtown Bellevue
Tomorrow’s Bel-Red Innovation Corridor (912 acres)
Cultural Amenities
Expanded Shopping and Entertainment
New Upscale Retail
New Office and Residential Towers
Expedia Inc.
Lincoln Square
Summit
The Bravern - Microsoft
City Center 989 Elements
Tenzo Tower
Bellatini
BRE Ashton
DemographicsDiversity growing at a galloping pace A global workforce
30%+ foreign born (compared to 25% in Seattle)
30%+ speak a language other than English 70 languages spoken in Bellevue schools (up from
36 in 2002) Compared to >100 in Seattle schools Compared to >130 different languages spoken
in the Bellevue-Seattle Metropolitan area 30%+ non-Caucasian
A well-educated workforce 60% of those over 25 with at least a bachelors
degree (national average of 27%) High number of PhDs per capita
Importance to the city’s economy International funds and investments transfer
is huge business Attracting top professionals from around the
world fuels technology sector Top talent people will nurture institutions that
will, in turn, nurture their children’s talents Nearby universities, community colleges and
technical training institutes Award-winning Bellevue Public Schools
International Companies in Bellevue
Bellevue Companies - National &
International
AAA of Washington Boeing CH2M Hill Coinstar Eddie Bauer Expedia Inc. Microsoft Mulvanny G2 Architecture PACCAR Pokémon USA, Inc. Symetra Financial T-Mobile USA (formerly
Deutsche-Telecom)
Example List of Asian Companies in Bellevue or nearby
China CompaniesLoci Software Kiloboat.comLongtop International
Taiwan CompaniesChina Trust Bank
India CompaniesAditi Aztecsoft Congruent SoftwareCordant iLink PhyswarePrithvi Second SpaceWiPro Pacific Consulting Services
Japan CompaniesICOM Pacific Software Publishing Inc.Nintendo Grape CityTokai Denpun USA
* Total of 125 foreign-owned companies, more than 900 firms involved in international trade
Why “Initiative India”Follow up on recent China efforts and strong
connections to China and other countries in AsiaIncrease services and cultural programs to Bellevue’s
citizens and international residentsFastest growing demographic segment is Indian/South
AsianGrowth of 1000% 2000-2008, largest concentration in
WashingtonIncrease outreach to technology businessesMarket research on trade between Wash and IndiaHistoric new policy and trade agreements in 2008/2009Test out ideas and have fun
Experience – May ‘08 to Nov ‘09
Explosive Success, due to …Outstanding leadership and encouragement
of the local Indian-American communityRegionally collaborative approachFortunate timingActions based on analysis of opportunitiesEfforts to connect people
In ProcessTypes of activities or ideas being explored
Cultural ~ Gandhi Memorial, Crossroads, ISAFF, SAM exhibit, Fashion show, Summer outdoor films, 1020, BAM
Economic ~ NFIA Convention, Business networking and civic engagement, WTC India Dinner event, Mobile Technology event, “Culture and communications” workshop and training for Bellevue staff, Business relocations, SBI, Air India, Global Health Program/Nurses Training Exchange, Proposed trade mission (Orissa)
Policy Connections ~ Interactive media strategy, A&E strategy, ESI, and existing state and federal export assistance programs
Government Of India~ Ambassadors Sen and Shankar, Consul General, new PNW Consulate proposed for Bellevue
US Government ~ Federal, state, and local officials
Other Foreign Governments ~ New engagement from Great Britain, Mexico, Australia, and potentially Indonesia
Investment ~ EB 5, II Advisory Committee, Youth Entrepreneurs workshop, Entrepreneurs' Boot Camp
Potential Outcomes – Trade & Investments
AgricultureCivil and Military Airplane SalesTransportation Equipment Computer Technology, SoftwareMobile Device Technology and SoftwareMedical Equipment, Devices, and ManagementHigher EducationArchitecture and Engineering ServicesEnvironmental ServicesClean Energy (e.g., Smart Grid systems)Corporate FinanceInvestments and Private BankingLegal ServicesFranchisesCouture Fashion, Garments & TextilesSpices
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