Gutierrez Releases Report on Impact of Litigation Environment on Attracting Foreign Investment

On October 29, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released a report on the U.S. litigation environment and trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into America during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 9th Annual Legal Reform Summit. “In the wake of economic challenges, it is important that America remains open and does not retreat into economic isolationism,” Gutierrez said. “Open markets and free trade make our country the number one destination for global capital, which drives innovation, exports and jobs here at home.” The report notes that high litigation costs impact America’s ability to compete and recommends sustained efforts to bring these costs in line with those of other nations. It also highlights the pressing need for additional economic research on the impact of a litigious society on a country’s ability to attract FDI.

View Commerce press release on report

View text of Secretary Gutierrez’s remarks