The Business of Attracting Foreign Investment

Stiff competition: The considerable interest in attracting foreign investment to a country or region has created heavy competition among the various economic development agencies anxious for the business. The net result is that literally hundreds of industrial development entities are each promoting their particular location to prospective investors. With such great competition, it becomes particularly important for development agencies to find ways to characterize what makes them different - and superior - to others seeking the same business.
Key strategic questions: What is unique about your location for foreign investment? Do you have a "positioning" which sets you apart from all others? Can a campaign with limited funds create real impact among the prospect audience? Can your location hold strong interest for a prospect throughout their evaluation process?
Research: In order to sharpen the focus for the development of a sound long-term North American marketing campaign, we believe that there is real need for fundamental opinion and attitude research. BBA Communications has guided many a client through the process to create an exciting theme and investment promotion strategy.
Industry targeting: The unique aspects of your location will attract industries seeking those special characteristics. Companies within these industries will be the focus of research to develop likely prospects.
Identification of prospects: One of the most important and most obvious marketing-support requirements is a database of prospective investors and investment "influencers." BBA Communications reviews existing databases for accuracy and conducts a continuing campaign of research to identify promising candidates for investment tailored to the client's profile.
Market-by-market "Blitz" campaign: It is a fact that the United States is not simply a large industrial mass, but rather a collection of 15 to 20 key markets, in which perhaps 80 to 85 percent of business is done. We recommend a comprehensive campaign directed at potential investors in each of these markets. BBA Communications is expert in organizing smoothly running and productive missions to cities in the United States and Canada, including private meetings with potential investors, luncheons for prospective investors sponsored by local bankers, press contacts and briefings, speeches before local business groups.
Marketing-support program: The key positive competitive factors of your region need to be identified and then communicated over and over again to prospective investors. Some services we offer: Investment newsletters, Brochures directed to North American investment interests, Highly focused media relations efforts with trade press of targeted industries, Mailing programs oriented to targeted industries, Appearances at trade shows and conventions, Development of case histories of successful investments, Trade media advertising, News release campaigns and media interviews, Speeches and articles for business groups.