Under Secretary Fernandez will travel to Michigan from May 28 to 30 to participate in the Mackinac Policy Conference. This event is a significant Midwest policy and economic gathering of government and industry leaders aimed at discussing current policy challenges and opportunities in the critical minerals, batteries, and electric vehicle sectors, along with their associated supply chains. Additionally, he will meet with industry and labor representatives in Detroit.
While on Mackinac Island, Under Secretary Fernandez will observe how foreign direct investments in Michigan’s critical production sectors are contributing to the U.S. economy and sustainable clean energy transition, facilitated by incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. He will also engage with Michigan public officials to highlight the State Department’s work on Subnational Diplomacy, which aims to strengthen relationships between the State Department and state and local governments.
In Detroit, Under Secretary Fernandez plans to meet with Michigan-based companies, including a visit to the General Motors technology and innovation campus where he will tour their design lab. Alongside Special Representative for International Labor Kelly Fay Rodríguez, he will engage with labor unions such as the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). Discussions will focus on the Department’s work on critical minerals, supply chain resilience, emerging technologies, and identifying ways to strengthen foreign commercial advocacy for Michigan’s private sector to promote job creation.
For updates on Under Secretary Fernandez's activities, follow him on X:@State_E, LinkedIn:@State-E, and Facebook:@StateDeptE. For further media information, contact E_Communications@state.gov.
