Foreign Direct Investment

World Trade Center St. Louis’ Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) pillar assists companies who have chosen to invest or establish their North American base in the St. Louis region. This assistance or “aftercare” is a vital component in attracting FDI as data shows that the vast majority of new jobs and investment emerge from global companies already located in a given region.

The World Trade Center St. Louis helps foreign companies with offices and facilities in St. Louis thrive in the local community by connecting them to valuable business resources, economic development incentives, and workforce support programs.

FDI Background and Outreach

  • Foreign companies expanding in St. Louis can benefit from job creation incentives, such as tax credits that reduce labor costs. Additionally, workforce development programs help companies find and train skilled employees
  • Businesses investing in new facilities, equipment, or renovations can potentially qualify for property tax abatements and sales tax exemptions.
  • Depending on their location, foreign companies may qualify for Opportunity Zone benefits, Enhanced Enterprise Zone tax credits, Tax Increment Financing support, and Foreign Trade Zone tariff relief.
  • Through Ameren and Spire, companies can access energy efficiency incentives, rebates for sustainable upgrades, and customized utility rate structures to lower operational costs.
Top 10 International Connections
Foreign Trade Zone