This week, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau delivered a keynote address at the SelectUSA Investment Summit. The event aims to connect overseas companies with potential financial backers, industry experts, and economic development organizations to help them establish facilities in the U.S., thereby boosting economic and job growth.
Since its inception in 2011, SelectUSA has drawn thousands of international companies and economic development representatives, resulting in over $135 billion in new investment projects across the United States and its territories.
Landau emphasized the current pivotal moment in American economic history, highlighting President Trump's actions on global trade policy, deregulation, and tax cuts. "It’s time to invest in America," he stated. The administration prioritizes commercial investment as part of its foreign policy objectives to secure tangible results for American businesses and workers. "We’re an administration you can do business with," Landau assured international partners.
The State Department supports this initiative through more than 1,000 commercial officers stationed globally. These missions are prepared to assist foreign businesses and investors in collaborating with American counterparts by leveraging leading companies, technology, and workforce.
This year saw participation from 15 chiefs of mission at SelectUSA. Landau expressed his ambition to double this number next year and enhance embassy teams' efforts to increase economic ties worldwide.
Reflecting on his personal connection to commercial diplomacy through his father’s career as a diplomat starting in Montevideo, Uruguay, Landau shared insights from his tenure as Ambassador to Mexico during the first Trump Administration. He noted significant mutual investments between the two countries.
According to Kearney's 2025 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index survey of top corporate executives globally, the United States remains the most stable destination for foreign direct investment for the 13th consecutive year. Landau cited commitments exceeding $9 trillion secured by President Trump within the first 100 days of his administration aimed at strengthening domestic capacity across various sectors including advanced technology and manufacturing.
Landau encouraged foreign businesses to collaborate with U.S. missions for identifying investment opportunities domestically while also inviting nations that could benefit from U.S. capital markets’ investments. "Commercial diplomacy is a two-way street," he concluded.
Christopher Landau was sworn in as Deputy Secretary of State on March 25, 2025. His extensive background includes serving as Ambassador to Mexico alongside a rich legal career coupled with personal diplomatic experiences growing up overseas.