The result has been a rapid growth of new job opportunities as well as new business relationships. More recently, as monetary controls have been relaxed by Asian governments such as the Republic of China and South Korea, there has been an increase in interest, and to a lesser extent, business activity, in Oregon. It is anticipated that as inquiries continue to increase from such countries, business relationships and consummated business transactions will increase accordingly. One of the primary reasons for the high level of interest in Oregon is the availability of land, even large parcels, close to urban centers and almost uniquely inexpensive. For example, several thousand acres of prime industrial land bordering the Columbia River and only minutes from Port of Portland facilities and downtown Portland have been reserved for sale to industrial users.
Large parcels are similarly available to the west and south of Portland.
All of this land is priced at a fraction of the prices of less desirable property in neighboring states. As a result, opportunities exist for industrial users, and for long-term investors, that permit the purchase of land for future use at relatively inexpensive purchase prices and low carrying costs. Long-term planning and expansion become easier and cheaper as a result. The state, as well as economic development departments of some of the larger urban communities within Oregon, have aggressively sought to encourage foreign investment, particularly investment that results in new jobs for Oregon residents. Given the State government's commitment to expanding Oregon's role in trade, especially within the Pacific Rim, these efforts are likely to expand, and opportunities for businesses from foreign countries or states other than Oregon should become increasingly plentiful.