Three days of conversations among global business and policy leaders in Washington, DC are concluding with a shared focus: creating the conditions for businesses to invest, innovate, compete, and accelerate economic growth around the world.
The first B20 Summit hosted in the United States brought together influential executives, policymakers, and international leaders to examine the most important issues facing the global economy and identify opportunities for progress.
From energy security and industrial competitiveness to digital transformation, investment, and international partnerships, Wednesday’s discussions continued the Summit’s focus on turning business perspectives into action.
Below are highlights of the activities on Day 2 of the B20 Summit.
The Greatest Prosperity Story in History
In his keynote address opening the final day of the B20 Summit, Ross Perot Jr., Chairman of The Perot Companies and Hillwood, as well as chair of the U.S. Chamber Board, celebrated what he called “one of the greatest achievements in human history.” Namely, the tremendous increase in standards of living and quality of life that trade and global engagement have fostered.
Ross founded Hillwood, a leading global real estate development company, and developed Fort Worth Alliance Airport, the country’s first industrial airport, through a unique public-private partnership. The airport now anchors AllianceTexas, a 27,000-acre master-planned, mixed-use community in North Texas.
He talked about how countries that embraced free enterprise and joined the global economy—particularly those in the G20—have led the way in lifting most of the world’s population out of extreme poverty:
“More children survive. More people are educated. More families have access to electricity, medical care, and opportunity . . . And it happened because countries expanded economic opportunity, businesses invested, entrepreneurs took risks, and trade connected markets.”
Ross touted the B20’s overall goal of promoting shared economic growth, recognizing the U.S. Chamber’s role in establishing this forum. B20 encourages governments to enact predictable policies and uphold the rule of law, while making room for the private sector to lead advances in human flourishing. In many ways, B20 is one half of a massive-scale public-private partnership. “Governments establish the framework, but businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers create prosperity.”
Business and global engagement aren’t simply about trading goods, Ross argued, but rather about moving opportunity across borders. Speaking to the business leaders in the audience, he concluded with the following charge: “Our responsibility is clear. Protect freedom. Expand opportunity. Encourage entrepreneurship. Build trust.”
Check back throughout the day for more updates.
