Area Development (September 2011) While battered by the recession, when it comes to international trade and access to global markets, make no mistake, California is still a powerhouse and the leader of the pack. Placing first for access to global markets in our survey, California serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and, indeed, the world. Its state ports transition more than 40 percent of container cargo traveling to the United States, Canada, and Mexico; its two top airports, Los Angeles International (LAX) and San Francisco International, rank second and fourth in the country for international air cargo volume.

California has capitalized on its access to global markets by offering its so-called “4G Platform for Global Business,” which underscores its global innovation network, global competitive advantage, role as the gateway to the Pacific Rim, and its great lifestyle and entertainment advantages.

California has also launched a new Innovation Hub (iHub) initiative, which will improve the state’s national and global competitiveness by stimulating partnerships, economic development, and job creation around research clusters through state-designated iHubs. These iHubs will leverage research parks, technology incubators, universities, and federal laboratories in order to provide an innovation platform for startup companies, economic development organizations, business groups, and venture capitalists.

“As the countries of Asia and south of our border continue to thrive and expand their trade, our state will play a leading role, as it always has, and reap unimagined benefits,” said Governor Jerry Brown in his 2011 State of the State Address.