International Offices
The Department of Commerce’s commitment to helping international companies in their efforts to establish, relocate and expand business operations in the U.S. and North American markets is supported by the state’s two foreign offices. The state has had an official presence in Europe and Asia for decades, reflecting how the mutually positive relationships between the state and foreign countries have grown and solidified.
Direct foreign investment continues to create jobs and opportunity in the state. South Carolina has been ranked No.1 in the nation for its share of workforce employed by foreign companies. Foreign investment comprised 26 percent of all projects recruited in 2008 and accounted for 44 percent of capital investment and 28 percent of all jobs recruited.
Advisory and support services provided by South Carolina’s International Offices include:
- Professional support in the business site selection process
- Identification of suitable communities, sites and buildings
- Detailed information on industry sectors and operating costs
- Introduction to the pro-business environment in the state
- Access to technical and workforce training programs
- Provides governmental assistance, language interpretation and customary procedures
- Serves as an on-the-ground point of contact
- Provides trade assistance
EUROPE OFFICE
South Carolina has had a presence in Europe since the mid-1970s when it opened an office in Brussels. With the growing interest of German firms, the office relocated to Frankfurt in the mid-1980s and moved to its current location in Munich in 2000. Among some of the world-class European firms that call South Carolina home are Bosch, Michelin, BMW, Lafarge, adidas and GlaxoSmithKline.
Almeida Palais
Brienner Straße 14
80333 Munich
GERMANY
Phone: 49-89-291-9170
Contact: Managing Director
Click here to view a German translation of the Web site.
Click here to view a French translation of the Web site.
ASIA OFFICE
In 2005, Governor Sanford opened the state’s office in Shanghai to capitalize on the growing market economy in Asia and further enhance efforts to secure Asian investment in South Carolina. Since the 1980's, the Palmetto State has seen significant Asian investment, with such well-known companies like Honda, Mitsubishi, Kyocera, Nissan, FUJIFILM, Haier Group and Dongguan Yuncheng Plate Making Group locating here.
Room 32H, Pu Fa Tower
588 South Pu Dong Road
Shanghai 200120
CHINA
Phone: (86-21)-5054-0116
Contact: Managing Director
Click here to view a Chinese translation of the Web site.
*We respectfully request all inquiries be made in English.