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Greater Washington Welcomes Global Leaders

November 14, 2008 - The Greater Washington Board of Trade and Greater Washington Initiative are pleased and honored to welcome the world’s leaders to Greater Washington during this time of great change, challenge and opportunity. The events during the past two months have signaled an unprecedented shift in the global financial environment. For decades, the global financial community has taken its direction from Wall Street, London and elsewhere. Now all eyes are on Greater Washington this weekend, as world leaders from diverse economic powers such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, England and India meet in America’s Capital City.

Washington is increasingly recognized as fast-growing world economic center, and the weeks ahead will affirm its increasing importance and significance. Highlights of the Greater Washington region:

  • Increased government regulation will drive people and businesses to Greater Washington
  • Greater Washington has the best educated workforce in the nation
  • 47% of the region’s population over age 25 has a bachelor’s degree
  • 22% of the region’s population over age 25 has an advanced degree
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  • Greater Washington is truly a world city – a center of global business and commerce
  • More than 700 foreign-owned firms with operations in Greater Washington
  • An additional 200 U.S. companies in Greater Washington have operations in multiple countries overseas
  • More than 525 non-stop international flights per week from Greater Washington airports
  • More than 1,000 institutions involved in international business and activities, including more than 180 embassies, The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Export-Import Bank and Inter-American Development Bank
  • 61 language immersion schools, 29 international baccalaureate programs, seven international schools and more than 18,000 international students enrolled in area colleges and universities
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  • Leading center of advanced technology and communications, life sciences and biotech, growing leader in the “green” economy

    • To arrange an interview with Greater Washington Board of Trade or Greater Washington Initiative leadership or to get more statistical information about the Greater Washington region, contact Liz Levitan at 202-857-5987 or Angie Lawry at 202-857-5971.

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    The Greater Washington Initiative (GWI) is the regional marketing and economic development organization that promotes the area encompassing the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland as a premier business location. GWI is an affiliate of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. For more info, visit www.greaterwashington.org.

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    Greater Washington Initiative
    (202) 857-5999