This document discusses how metropolitan areas are centers of global trade and investment. It notes that 79% of global economic growth occurs outside the US, so metros need to engage globally to access this demand. It highlights that metros hold the bulk of assets that drive exports, like population, GDP, and graduates. While metros play a critical role in exports, states and the federal government also have important roles to play. The document concludes that each metro can leverage its unique specializations and brand to engage globally in new ways like through research, convenings, and partnerships between cities.