LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Leaders from about 20 countries around the world are in one location. The goal is to bring Innovation, collaboration, and economic development to the US and beyond.
“We like to say that technology innovation doesn’t have a particular place,” said Alejandra Y. Castillo. “It’s all about sharing ideas and concepts and working together to solve some of those most pressing issues in society as a whole.”
Delegates from Central, North, and South America learned and grew together at the 18th annual Americas Competitiveness Exchange Summit. Alejandra Castillo is the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Commerce.
She says they focus on people, places, and possibilities when it comes to economic development.
“It’s about people, their talents, their assets, the ability to contribute as well as places,” said Castillo. “We want to talk about not just urban areas but also our rural areas.”
We spoke with leaders from Mexico and Brazil who says the opportunity to collaborate is essential.
“What we are discussing here is very important to be more effective in this process of attraction of investments,” said Ronaldo Barquette, Invest Minas Brazil.
“This is our way to learn about best practices, to learn about new materials, new entrepreneurs, the trends about the future,” said Itzel Villa, Coppel Foundation Mexico.
Barquette, Villa and other delegates say the knowledge, skills and connections made here in Michigan, will help operations in their own country.
“We’re all really proud to be able to show what’s happening in Michigan. All the positive things happening in Michigan,” said Bob Metzger, Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The week-long summit will continue in Grand Rapids tomorrow and will discuss Medical and Engineering and Computing innovation.
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