With its location between two major cities, the City of Federal Way has cultivated many partnerships to encourage international trade and relations, thus promoting growth for our city. Federal Way is ideal for your company's location or expansion. Click the image below to view a video explaining even more of the advantages Federal Way offers.
Why Locate Your Business to Federal Way
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Why Washington?
Washington is located along the west coast of the United States. It is the 18th largest state (geographically in size). It is the 13th most populous with over 7 million. It is also one of the largest states for import/export activities in the nation given the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma and has one of the largest airports on the west coast, Sea-Tac International. Click on the link below to read further about International Trade in Washington State and Federal Way.
International Trade: Why Washington?
Why Federal Way?
Federal Way is the 9th largest city in the state and is located 20 minutes south of the Sea-Tac International airport and is 30 minutes, equidistance from the marine facilities of the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Federal Way is located along Interstate 5, making it a valued location for those who need to be near but not adjacent to marine and air cargo facilities. It is home to several companies engaged in international trade such as World Vision, Tommy Bahama, Cogent, the Korean Broadcasting System and Valmet. Click on the link below to read further about International Trade in Federal Way.
International Trade: Why Federal Way?
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Why Washington?
Washington is home to more than 60 colleges and universities, many of which offer degrees in international relations, foreign languages, and international overseas study programs. The state's environment is receptive to foreign exchange in arts, culture, education, and research, with foreign government offices to aid in the improvement of relations and trade. Click below to learn more about international relations in Washington and Federal Way.
International Relations: Why Washington?
Why Federal Way?
Federal Way is an ethnically diverse community where you can find over 100 foreign languages spoken. It is globally aware and focused with two sister city relationships in Japan and South Korea along with a cultural exchange in China. Federal Way is a receptive government where foreign investment and cultural exchange is welcomed. Federal Way is by all accounts a wonderful location for both foreign and domestic organizations involved in international relations. It is well situated for organizations involved in international education, research, and cultural affairs. Click on the link below to read further about International Relations in Federal Way.
International Relations: Why Federal Way?
PROMOTING FEDERAL WAY
International Trade & Relations: Annual Consular Visit to Federal Way
SISTER CITIES
Federal Way has two sister cities. The program with Hachinohe, Japan has been in existence for over 25 years. The other sister city is with Donghae, South Korea. Federal Way also has a friendship relationship with Shantou, China. It has been an exciting opportunity to connect with these countries and we hope to continue cultivating our relationship!
Hachinohe, Japan
Hachinohe is known as the city that began from the ocean. It is located in the southeastern part of the main island of Japan in the Aomori Prefecture on the Pacific Ocean side of the island. Hachinohe has a population of 230,000. Its economy is primarily aqua-culture, with a significant fishing industry. In fact, it is one of the largest centers for fishing in Japan. Additionally, the City is known for culinary arts and entrepreneurialism in value-added food production and preparation. Hachinohe is also known for its scenic beauty. Its climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Hachinohe is served by a regional airport with flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo. The Sister city relationship was formed in 1993. For more information click on the link below.
Click the image above to view a video explaining, in Japanese, what Federal Way has to offer.
http://www.city.hachinohe.aomori.jp/
Donghae, South Korea
Donghae, known as Sunrise City is located in the northeastern part of South Korea. It has a population of nearly 93,000. It has a significant tourism industry, both due to geographical terrains and cultural activities. Geographical areas of interest include Candlestick Rock, Yongchu Falls, Tanjin Natural Caves, and plentiful sandy beaches. Cultural/historic centers include the Songjeong-dong Iron Pagoda and Dutasan Castle. The City is served by two major ports: Donghae Harbor and Mukho Harbor. The city is served by international ferry services to Russia and Japan. The Sister City relationship was established in 2000.
Click the image above to view a video explaining, in Korean, what Federal Way has to offer.
Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
Shantou, a city in the east of Guangdong Province, is situated in the south of the Hanjiang River Delta on the coast of the South China Sea. With a prime location and top-class infrastructures, such as the "Communication Center of South China and the Gateway of East Guangdong" commodity distribution center, Shantou serves as an important import and export port. The city has a population of 5.6 million, as well as trading routes that have established it as a major economic center.
http://english.shantou.gov.cn/
Mayor Ferrell meets with representatives from China (above).
RESOURCES
The City of Federal Way’s Department of Economic Development serves as an information and referral service for local businesses seeking to expand into the global marketplace. The following agencies are available for assistance with your export or funding questions:
Washington State Network of Small Business Development Centers, http://wsbdc.org/services/exports/, (206) 246-4445
The Washington Small Business Development Center Network is your resource for expert business advising, management training and market research. SBDC advisors offer one-on-one technical assistance at no charge to make sure you have the information you need to make the decisions that are right for you and your company. The Seattle SBDC - Export Center is located at 13925 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 100, Tukwila, WA 98168.
Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington, http://www.efacw.org/, (206) 256-6115
The Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW) was created by the Washington State legislature in 1983 to provide export finance counseling assistance to small- and medium-sized exporters or prospective Washington-based exporters. EFACW is funded mainly by the State of Washington and is an independent contractor to the Washington State Department of Commerce (COM). EFACW is currently co-located with the Washington State Department of Commerce in The Westin Building at 2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2600, Seattle, WA 98121.
Washington Export Resource Center, http://waexports.com/
The Washington State Export Resource Center (WERC) was formed between business representatives, education and state government to bring new resources to light for business around the state pursuing interests in selling their products and services throughout the global market place. The website has valuable information for businesses considering entering the international markets.
Washington State China Relations Council, https://wscrc.org
The Washington State China Relations Council (WSCRC) is the nation’s leading statewide organization dedicated to promoting stronger commercial, educational and cultural engagement with China. Founded in 1979 following the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and China, the Council is the oldest nongovernmental organization advocating at the state level for increased trade connections with the People’s Republic. The WSCRC is located in Seattle's historic Rainier Building at 1301 5th Ave., Suite 1500, Seattle, WA 98101.