international businesS

Greater Omaha is a multicultural metropolitan area with a strong business community and a diverse economic base that attracts companies and individuals from all over the world. From importers and exporters to the headquarters of global operations, the growth and success of these international organizations has contributed to the overall growth and development of Greater Omaha.

• More than 100 companies in Greater Omaha are owned by foreign investors, such as Claas (Germany), Evonik-Degussa (Germany), Delacheaux (France), BAE Systems (U.K.), Q.P. Egg Corporation (Japan) and Praj Energy (India). Foreign owned companies employ 20,000 Nebraskans.

• According to U.S. Census data, Douglas County residents speak a total of 58 languages, and Greater Omaha is home to a U.S. Defense Language Institute campus that specializes in teaching foreign languages to military personnel stationed at USSTRATCOM. International students from nearly 140 countries attend colleges and universities in the community, adding to the diversity of the city.

• Greater Omaha has a Mexican Consulate, as well as honorary Consuls from Canada, Denmark, Japan and Norway. Omaha is also actively involved in Sister Cities, with five sister city relationships to date. Omaha’s Sister Cities are Braunschweig, Germany, Shizuoka, Japan, Naas, Ireland, Siauliai, Lithuania and Xalapa, Mexico. Organizations such as the Midwest International Trade Association provide networking and educational opportunities for international businesses and their employees.

• Located on more than 17 acres of land with 250,000 square feet of warehouse space, Foreign Trade Zone No. 19 allows companies to defer duty payments on foreign goods brought here until the time they enter U.S. trading channels. In its first year of operations, four companies used the zone warehouse on a short term, project basis saving an average of $9,000 over a 25 day period and two companies committed to using the zone on a permanent basis.

• The Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership has dedicated staff available to assist international companies in locating their business in Greater Omaha. The partnership connects with non-U.S. business in other countries throughout the year, participates in the Midwest U.S. Japan Association and is a partner in the Nebraska Center – Tokyo.

Partnership staff also assists local companies with international issues. Click here to view our International Business resources.