In what marks a significant investment in North Carolina's tech sector, Governor Josh Stein announced that Amazon is moving forward with plans to inject $10 billion into the state's economy through the creation of a cloud computing and AI innovation campus in Richmond County. According to an announcement by the Governor's Office, the project is expected to generate at least 500 high-paying jobs in the area.
“Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and innovate, and I am pleased that North Carolina will stay at the forefront of all that’s ahead as we continue to attract top technology companies like Amazon,” Governor Stein emphasized. With Amazon's reputation as a global leader in cloud services through AWS (Amazon Web Services), these data centers are expected to not just bolster cloud computing capabilities but also advance generative AI technologies significantly. The company's massive financial commitment is seen as recognition of North Carolina's hospitable business environment and its potential as a tech powerhouse, Governor's Office noted.
David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, conveyed the company's enthusiasm for the project: “Amazon's $10 billion investment in North Carolina underscores our commitment to driving innovation and advancing the future of cloud computing and AI technologies,” he stated. In alignment with the state's vision, Amazon is preparing to forge partnerships with local leaders, suppliers, and educational institutions to shape the tech landscape and equip the following generation with the requisite skills, as per the Governor's Office.
State and local officials have warmly received the news of Amazon's commitment. “I am excited for Amazon’s $10 billion investment in our community,” Senator David Craven was quoted saying. This sentiment was echoed by Representative Ben Moss, who pointed out the transformative potential for rural communities, and by the Richmond County Board of Commissioners Chairman Rick Watkins, who called the investment "a catalyst to transform the local economy." They all underscore the intended impact: to uplift the region's standing in the tech industry and to boost economic growth markedly, as announced by the Governor's Office.
