Michigan – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has launched an investment mission to Switzerland to expand Michigan’s links with the rest of the world and make the state a more attractive place for high-tech, advanced manufacturing, and defense companies to do business. The tour puts Michigan on the world stage as leaders from business, government, and academics meet to talk about the future of the global economy and new trends in industry.
Whitmer’s attendance at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 is a key aspect of the visit. She is supposed to talk to the Global Lighthouse Network and take part in conversations about electric vehicles and the role of U.S. governors in economic development during the event.
She will also be at a press conference with Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, to talk about how governments can close gaps in manufacturing talent by putting money into education and skilled trades. This includes programs like Michigan Reconnect and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
The governor’s involvement at the forum shows how important Michigan is in global supply chains and how it leads in areas related to national and economic security. The mission’s main goals are defense, aerospace, advanced mobility, and clean energy.
State officials claim that Michigan’s strong manufacturing base, talented workforce, and long history of working with the U.S. Department of Defense make it a good place for international corporations to do business or invest in the U.S.
While in Switzerland, Whitmer will meet with high-level executives, investors, and industry leaders to talk about what makes Michigan a good place to do business and look for new foreign direct investment prospects. The main topics of conversation include how to grow the company’s activities in Michigan and strengthen the state’s involvement in global defense and security supply networks.
Joining the governor is Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Messer said that Michigan’s broad economy and strengths in defense and sophisticated manufacturing are significant factors why overseas partners want to work with the state.
“Michigan has one of the most diverse and resilient economies in the nation, and our defense and advanced manufacturing strengths are powerful draws for international partners,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr.
“These investment missions allow us to present our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy to business decision-makers in critical markets and global government leaders who are actively considering places like Michigan to expand, innovate, and invest. With the continued federal policy focus on accelerating foreign direct investment into the US, Team Michigan’s presence in Switzerland and at WEF is about turning relationships into results for Michigan employers, workers and communities.”
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Michigan has a lot of businesses in innovative manufacturing, defense technologies, and life sciences, thus Switzerland is an important partner for the state. It is Michigan’s ninth-largest source of foreign direct investment. Since 2019, Swiss companies have started several projects in the state, which have created jobs and new capital investment.
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According to state officials, the mission is part of Michigan’s larger plan to attract investment from around the world, help current businesses, and grow industries that are important for long-term economic growth and safety.