Perry touts Texas in France

LA BAULE, FRANCE - Gov. Rick Perry today touted Texas' strong economic footing to world investment leaders and invited them to expand their businesses in Texas at the World Investment Conference (WIC) in La Baule.

"I am sharing with the world that Texas is wide open for business," said Perry. "The Lone Star State is the best place in America to do business, and among the best in the world, thanks to our low taxes, reasonable regulatory climate, infrastructure and educated workforce."

The governor's keynote address provided a platform from which to increase our international trade relations.

Texas continues to be the number one exporting state in the country, with exports topping $168 billion in 2007. The state's largest export partners were Mexico and Canada, followed by China and South Korea. Exports to France in 2007 were $1.9 billion, up 30 percent from the year before. Texas is also one of the top five destinations in the U.S. for foreign direct investment.

Perry promoted Texas' central geographic location and low production costs as well extensive port, rail and transport systems. He also highlighted the state's highly diversified industrial base, world-class university system and leading technological nerve centers in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, encouraging the audience to "come see for themselves just how well things are going in Texas."

"Gone are the days of competing solely with states like New York and California. Today we are competing internationally for jobs and economic development and must seize the opportunity to bolster international investment in Texas," said Perry.