Global Chamber® FDI Forum on FDI and Trade in the Great Lakes Region, US and Canada

The Global Chamber® FDI Forum Explored FDI and Trade Opportunities in the Great Lakes Region, US and Canada

Opportunities in the Great Lakes Region were the focus of a recent Global Chamber® FDI/Investment Forum.

The weekly conversations are a convergence of business, economic development and real estate. These globinars bring together business leaders, investors, and economic development professionals to explore new opportunities for global investment and growth… to create more deals.

Global Investment Opportunities

The discussion featured Dean M. Prestegaard, Advisory Board Chair at the Great Lakes Economic Development Council (GLEDC), who shared insights on economic development strategies, regional investment opportunities, and the importance of collaboration between public and private sector organizations. This session was facilitated by Doug Bruhnke, CEO at Global Chamber®.

The North American Great Lakes region—spanning eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces—is a $6 trillion economy. It offers massive foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade prospects driven by integrated automotive and advanced manufacturing supply chains, robust maritime and rail logistics via the St. Lawrence Seaway, and abundant freshwater resources critical for high-tech industries.

The U.S. states are Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The Canadian provinces are Ontario and Quebec.

Core Manufacturing

• Automotive & Transportation Equipment: Assembly, R&D, and parts supply chains.

• Machinery & Heavy Equipment: Industrial machinery and construction equipment.

• Chemicals & Plastics: High regional export value and FDI in chemical processing and plastics.

Emerging Sectors

• Clean Energy & EV Supply Chain: Battery manufacturing, clean tech, vehicle electrification.

• Logistics & Transportation: Cross-border shipping, freight rail, and deep-water port networks.

• Water Tech & Innovation ("Blue Economy"): Water treatment, resource recovery initiatives.

Building Connections Across Markets

The forum highlighted how collaboration between companies, investors, economic development organizations, and real estate professionals can create stronger investment ecosystems and unlock new opportunities across regions.

By connecting leaders across industries and borders, Global Chamber® continues to support businesses seeking to expand, invest, and succeed in global markets.

Missed the session or want to watch it again?

▶️ Watch the recording HERE