Aims to Attract More Foreign Investment to Illinois During Trip to Japan
TOKYO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that foreign-owned firms have added nearly 80,000 jobs in Illinois since 2009 when the governor took office, and more than 450 new foreign firms have located in the state during that time. The governor aims to build upon recent successes and attract more foreign investment in Illinois during his September 6-10 trip to Japan. Today's economic announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to create jobs and restore economic prosperity to Illinois.
"Our efforts to increase foreign direct investment in Illinois are paying solid dividends," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois' economy is getting a boost from the growing number of foreign companies doing business in the state, including building factories, warehouses, customer service centers and R&D facilities. These jobs have played a major role in fueling Illinois' economic recovery in recent years, and we must continue to build on these efforts in order to create jobs and compete in the global economy."
Foreign direct investment in Illinois includes more than 2,000 firms that employ more than 350,000 people. Japan and the United Kingdom are the top two sources of these investments. The number of people employed by foreign firms in Illinois has increased every year since 2009 and went from 280,419 that year to 359,775 in the third quarter of 2013. Nearly 80,000 jobs have been added between 2009 and 2013 and the tax dollars of more than 450 foreign companies have been added to the state's economy.
Since Governor Quinn took office, individuals employed by the 1,387 Japanese-owned firms in Illinois rose from 42,126 in 2009 to 53,963 in the third quarter of 2013. The top five Japanese companies in Illinois by number of employees include Aioi Insurance Co., Ltd (7,000); Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (3,358); Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (2,800); Kotobuki Realty Co., Ltd. (2,190); and NTN Corp. (1,604).
"The state's transportation infrastructure and business climate are often cited as reasons for the high level of foreign investment in Illinois," Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Adam Pollet said. "A central location and ease of access make it easy for executives, managers and consultants from other countries to get in and out of the U.S. We can also help these firms move their goods with our excellent road, rail and water transportation network."
The state's transportation infrastructure benefits from Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.
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