How To: Invest in South Carolina

Read the interview with Christiane Sembritzki from the Europe Office of US state South Carolina and get information about business opportunities for companies in the state.

Mrs. Sembritzki, how would you characterize your state?

South Carolina is halfway between New York City and Miami on the Southeastern coast of the US and its total area is approximately a quarter the size of Germany. The Palmetto State, as it is also called, borders North Carolina and Georgia, and with more than 320 km (200 miles) worth of coast line it does not only offer an excellent quality of life but also an excellent infrastructure: five interstate highways, a commercial airport, and the port of Charleston guarantee fast travel and efficient transport. The latter factors, together with the positive economic climate, are the reason a lot of international companies, particularly from the aviation and space travel sector and the car industry, have come to South Carolina over the past years.

What kind of services does your office in Munich offer interested investors?

We see ourselves as the first place to go and the direct contact for European enterprises who want to expand to the US. Not only do we offer information about business opportunities and chances in our state, but we also help companies who have decided to establish themselves in South Carolina with all further steps in a competent way and without a lot of red tape. It doesn’t matter whether it’s advice concerning choice of location, help with the finding of suitable estate or premises, or questions concerning operating costs, government support, or further and advanced training: we want to help our customers have a fast and straightforward start in the US. And, of course, we also help companies who are already established in South Carolina to expand their business contacts.

Are there any special advantages/incentives that would convince companies to choose South Carolina?

In order to remain competitive in the global economy, South Carolina has set itself the goal of creating a positive economic climate: we want to support European enterprises with opening p new markets and winning new customers and become competitive in North America. We believe that entrepreneurial spirit and the creation of jobs should be rewarded in our state. That is why we offer a number of advantages and incentives on both the state and county level. This includes, for example, tax incentives and job development credit on both the state and county level. For each project we design a package that is matched to the company’s needs.

What impact does the financial crisis have on South Carolina’s economic climate?

Of course, the current financial crisis also leaves its marks on South Carolina. Nevertheless, even in times like these there is till an interest in investment in South Carolina and the US. The good thing is that South Carolina has a very divers economy, with everything from tourism over agriculture to an advanced manufacturing industry. Especially during those difficult times we are very happy about our balance of national and international, as well as small, medium-sized and large companies who have come to our state.

Which sectors are still offering good investment opportunities?

We observe that companies still invest in growing sectors: for example in sectors of industry that supply the Southeast of the US, but also international markets.

One good example of this is the Port of Charleston: the state is currently investing in an improvement of infrastructure there, since we expect an increase in business for the port with the re-opening of the Panama Canal and we want to be ready in time: with its completely operational port, South Carolina wants to attract companies that are looking for the perfect location for the local and international delivery of their goods. And, of course, its extremely well trained work force, working with highly developed materials like plastic and chemicals in the car and aviation industry, continues to be one of South Carolina’s biggest strengths.

Do you charge customers for your services?

No, all services are free of charge.

Contact: Almeida Palais - Brienner Straße 14 - 80333 Munich - Germany
Tel.: + 49 89 2919170 / Fax: + 49 89 29191710
Email: csembritzki@commerce.state.sc.us