On November 17, the Paulson Institute hosted its latest American Competitiveness Dialogue in Pittsburgh, focusing on the opportunities and challenges of cross-border investment, especially from China. The meeting, convened jointly with the Economic Club of Pittsburgh, focused on energy-related industries and gathered local corporate and market leaders to discuss what these dynamics mean for western Pennsylvania. Featuring the Institute’s vice chairman, Evan Feigenbaum, and fellow Damien Ma, the event was part of an ongoing series of “American Competiveness Dialogues” that the Institute has sponsored in cities as diverse as Detroit, Michigan and Kearney, Nebraska.
Discussion in Pittsburgh focused on how China’s diversification away from coal is driving Chinese investors overseas in search of technology plays and resource deals, especially in advanced economies like the United States. The group addressed how Pennsylvania might benefit from such investments, particularly in shale gas and other energy industries, as well as the challenges that America faces from Chinese competition and how firms and communities can adapt and successfully compete, as Saginaw, Michigan, did when Chinese entities bought Nexteer, a US auto steering company.
American Competitiveness Dialogues anchor discussion of foreign direct investment in the local conditions of specific states.
In July, the Paulson Institute hosted a dialogue in Detroit with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. An earlier event in Nebraska featured Governor Dave Heineman and focused on agribusiness.
