The majority of economic growth is occurring abroad and opening new market opportunities that can support prosperity at home. Like peer regions, metropolitan Chicago has relied on exports and foreign investment to help sharpen its economic competitiveness since the 2007-09 recession.{{Brookings Institution, “The 10 Lessons from Global Trade and Investment Planning in U.S. Metro Areas,” 2015, https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/TenLessons.pdf}} The region’s manufacturing exports increased by nearly 37 percent during 2005-16, beating growth rates in New York and Los Angeles.{{Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, “Regional Economic Indicators,” 2017, http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/economy/regional-economic-indicators/trends/.}} Yet many small- and medium-sized businesses here do not currently export their specialized or high-quality products and services. Foreign direct investment can also fortify the region’s connections to global markets. Coordinated efforts have already yielded positive results in expanding, retaining, and attracting such investments, which improve businesses’ access to capital and global markets.{{The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, “Foreign Direct Investment: Globalizing Chicago’s Economic Development Plans,” 2012, https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/publication/foreign-direct-investment-globalizing-chicagos-economic-development-plans.}} In responding to the pressures of global competition, the Chicago region must enhance its credibility and saliency as a center for international business development. Research has found that racial and ethnic diversity and openness to immigrants strongly contribute to regional growth in employment and productivity by broadening the talent pool available to businesses.{{Randall Eberts, George Erickcek, and Jack Kleinhenz. “Dashboard Indicators for the Northeast Ohio Economy: Prepared for the Fund for Our Economic Future,” Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Working Paper, no. 06-05, 2006}} Metropolitan Chicago should leverage not only its diverse industry mix and institutions, but also its diverse residents who have formal and informal connections worldwide. Action 1 Facilitate ongoing analysis and strategy development for reaching global markets that builds consensus among the region’s many stakeholders. Implementers CRGC or a similar entity Action 2 Support the development of a comprehensive foreign trade and investment strategy for the region, including leveraging existing export relationships and positioning the region strategically for foreign direct investments, mergers, and acquisitions. Implementers CRGC or a similar entity Action 3 Coordinate efforts to market the region and convey its dynamic economy, infrastructure, and institutional assets; diverse and skilled workforce; and other assets. Implementers CRGC or a similar entity, in partnership with economic development organizations, business associations, and chambers of commerce Action 4 Expand technical assistance and other supports for export activity by small- and medium-sized businesses, such as assistance in navigating the customs process, access to global customers, and export financing. Implementers CRGC or a similar entity, in partnership with counties and municipalities