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International Gateway to the Americas
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) is known as the international “Gateway to the Americas” due to its outstanding strategic location and access. Surveys consistently rank the region as one of the most desirable locations for doing business. Twenty-four Fortune 500 companies have chosen to set up their North American headquarters in DFW, including seven Global 500. With over 6.3 million people, DFW has surpassed Philadelphia to become the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the United States.

By any measure, DFW has successfully integrated itself into the global marketplace. The State of Texas has experienced tremendous rise in its exports and has been the number one exporting state in the U.S. for the last six consecutive years (2002-2007). DFW is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the State’s expanding international business. The value of goods and services exchanged by North Texas businesses with partners in 210 countries around the world reached $58.3 billion in 2006. The area produces a gross regional product of $311 billion annually ranking it among small European nations and top 15 metro areas in the world ahead of Buenos Aires and Hong Kong.

Part of DFW’s international appeal can be attributed to its central geographic location. With its first-class transportation infrastructure, including road, rail, and air linkages, DFW is a major logistical and distribution hub. Topping the list of transportation assets is the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the third busiest airport in the U.S. and one of largest inland global distribution centers.  The Fort Worth Alliance Airport is another major air transportation asset providing exceptional cargo handling, warehousing, ground support and aviation services. In addition, three major railroads and six interstate highways pass through the DFW metroplex, including Interstate 35, dubbed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Superhighway, which connects Mexico, the US and Canada.

However, geography is not everything. DFW is also noted for its young, diverse, and expanding population, highly skilled labor force of three million, first-rate transportation infrastructure, diverse and vibrant economic base, favorable tax structure with absence of state income taxes, international leadership vision and pro-business regulatory environment.

Industry Profile
Once known for an economy based on oil and cattle, DFW has undergone a remarkable transformation successfully developing a diverse economic base that encompasses numerous industries. Leading industry segments include High-Technology, Aerospace and Aviation, Logistics and Distribution, Warehousing, Retail Trade, and Financial and Professional Services.

DFW has 14 distinct technology industries expanding from telecommunications to nanotechnologies, semiconductor and medical-device manufacturing and other cutting-edge activities. With over 227,000 technology jobs in the region, DFW ranks second in high-tech employment in the U.S.

The region boasts seven active Nobel Laureates. The Chamber launched a one of a kind regional index in partnership with NASDAQ and USI to track the performance of public technology and life-science companies in the area. For more information about our technology sector, please visit the Technology Business Council website at www.dallastbc.org.

Global Economy
DFW has a full spectrum of international trading partners. In 2006, the total trade with partners in 210 countries around the world reached $58.3 billion. Asian countries dominate trade with DFW. The top five trading partners in 2006 were China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia. The top trading partner in the Americas is Mexico, which ranks 14th in direct trade among all countries.

Foreign Direct Investment
The Dallas Regional Chamber’s overseas offices facilitate Foreign Direct Investment by providing a local point of contact for businesses in Beijing, Shanghai, London, Monterrey and Mexico City. The Chamber provides a full range of complimentary services for foreign companies interested in setting up operations in DFW. The expansion and relocation assistance services include advice on:

• Business Regulations – Registration and Licensing
  
• Choice of Business Entity and Other Legal Concerns
  
• Immigration/Visa Consultation
  
• Foreign Investment Incentives and Restrictions
  
• Business Taxation
  
• Labor Laws and HR Issues
  
• Cost Comparison Analysis and Regional Statistical Information
  
• Site Selection Assistance
  
• Introduction to Key Economic Allies in the Region
  
• Facilitation of Contact with Potential Business Partners
  

Incentives for Business
Companies looking to set up operations in the DFW area have access to ample and diverse sources of incentives. Click here for a full list of incentive programs.

Quality of Life
DFW offers an attractive quality of life and favorable low cost of living. The region touts more shopping centers and restaurants per capita than any other U.S. city, offering something for all kinds of tastes and budgets. The area also has a multitude of recreation and cultural amenities, including top arts, music and sports facilities.