The County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency (EDA) is promoting an international trade and investment program countywide.

The primary goal of the program is to inform business about opportunities to expand markets on a global scale and attract investment from abroad to improve processes and increase productivity across the supply chain. 

A Banner Year for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)    In 2014 (the latest available data), U.S. subsidiaries of foreign-owned firms employed 6.4 million Americans. The data from 2013 was also revised upward from 6.1 to 6.2 million jobs directly supported by FDI.  FDI is also enhancing U.S. global competitiveness with increased spending on high-value activities such as research and development (R&D). These U.S.-based affiliates of majority foreign-owned firms spent nearly $57 billion on R&D activities in the United States.

The program includes: conducting on-site business visits and consulting sessions, educational webinars and workshops, and increasing San Bernardino County's brand visibility and name recognition in countries such as China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Taiwan.

Brand visibility has been increased in China through participation in SelectUSA Roadshows. Presentations showcasing the County and its assets were held in Beijing, Urumuqi, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Fuzhou.

A concentrated regional effort has been made to strengthen collaborative partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies to leverage all available assets and services. Partners include:

• Brookings Institution
• California Centers for International Trade and Development
• California State University, San Bernardino
• Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), International Affairs and Trade Department
• Los Angeles Regional Export Council (LARExC)
• Port of Los Angeles
• U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
• University of California, Riverside, Center for Economic Forecasting and Development
• University of Southern California Center for Economic Development, Sol Price School of Public Policy

The County recently welcomed Pacific Paint Tools, a majority held Foreign Owned Enterprise. Located in the City of Ontario, this paint accessories distribution company opened its doors through investment from a 25-year old Chinese company located in Shanghai. It is estimated 50 jobs will be created.