The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), together with the U.S. Department of Commerce (Economic Development Administration) and the U.S. Department of State (U.S. Permanent Mission to the OAS) kicked off the 18th Edition of the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE), May 5 to May 10, 2024.
Building on the success of previous editions, ACE Michigan welcomed 70 senior-level government, business, policy, and economic leaders from 18 countries across the Americas and beyond. Governor Gretchen Whitmer of the State of Michigan provided welcome remarks at the opening session in Detroit Diesel, a leading global mobility company with operations in Michigan.
The ACE Michigan delegation will focus on fostering global partnerships, exploring economic development opportunities, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. By exchanging knowledge and building networks, ACE leaders aim to strengthen supply chains, increase trade and investment opportunities, and enhance competitiveness across the Americas.
The agenda features opportunities to engage with over 20 sites and institutions driving economic development in Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, including innovation hubs, advanced technology centers, leading firms, and research institutions. Site visits include Michigan State Universities, Peckham Industries, Kellogg, TechTown Detroit, and more, representing key economic sectors such as Agribusiness, Life Science, Automotive and Mobility, and Advanced Manufacturing.
"Detroit is a global example of how to pursue economic revival and urban transformation after navigating significant hardship and economic downturn. For the OAS, the ACE is precisely designed to serve as a platform to share, collaborate, adapt, and replicate solutions for development among countries of the region" said Arnold Chacon, Secretary for Administration and Finance of the Organization of American States.
The ACE is the premier economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurial network of the Americas. The previous 17 editions have been held in Seattle, Northern California, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Ecuador, Panama among many others benefiting over 1,050 leaders from 42 countries featuring more than collaborative 1,200 projects.
About OAS-SEDI
The strategic mission of OAS-SEDI is to work with OAS member states to secure sustainable, inclusive and equitable development in the Americas as a foundation for democracy, peace, social justice and progress.
OAS-SEDI derives its mandates from the Summit of the Americas, the OAS General Assembly, and various sectoral meetings at the Ministerial level.
Reference: E-031/24
