Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and Montgomery County Department of Economic Development Director Steve Silverman joined more than 100 embassy officials, representing over 75 countries, and several hundred Maryland business leaders at the Maryland International Trade and Embassy Conference (MITEC) held September 25 at the Montgomery County Conference Center in North Bethesda.

“We celebrate diversity and international openness in Montgomery County and are so fortunate to have distinguished ambassadors, representing countries from all over the world, to enrich our communities with culture and business opportunities,” said Leggett. “In challenging economic times like these, we need to reach out internationally and work together to build a better local and global economy through trade, partnerships and foreign direct investment and it is important events like this one that lay the groundwork for us to do just that.”

The annual international conference, formerly known as Embassy Day, was held in Montgomery County for the fifth consecutive year. It was sponsored by the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI), the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). This year’s event focused on several of Maryland’s dynamic industry sectors, including Advanced Technology, Life Sciences/Healthcare and Global Education and also featured a full-day trade and embassy exhibition, VIP luncheon and a series of industry specific breakout sessions. 

“This event allows us to showcase all Montgomery County has to offer, in terms of our community and business diversity, to the impressive diplomatic community found here in the greater Washington region,” said Silverman. “Events like this combined with recent successes, like International Baccalaureate’s decision to bring their Global Centre for the Americas to Montgomery County, gives us reason to celebrate and strengthens our resolve to do all we can to support and grow our local business community in today’s global economy.”

Several companies with foreign headquarters have a major presence in Montgomery County including BAE Systems, Inc.; MedImmune/AstraZeneca; Qiagen; RNL Biostar and Sodexo.