Stella Chen, Tax Partner, Aprio

In an interview with Invest:, Stella Chen, tax partner at Aprio, discussed the factors shaping international investment in North Carolina, the impact of tariffs and AI on business decisions, and Aprio’s approach to serving global clients. “We want to be ahead of the curve for our clients. We want to be the leader in our industry and support our clients’ growth,” Chen said.

What factors are driving foreign companies to establish or expand their operations in North Carolina?

North Carolina is unique. We have a deep pool of talent and strong population growth, which sets us apart from traditional industrial states that are losing population. The cost of living and the cost of doing business are also more affordable than in many other states. 

Another major strength is the education system, including universities such as Duke, UNC, and NC State, as well as the community college system. The universities contribute through research and development, while community colleges play a key role in training workers with the specific skills manufacturers need. Those strengths continue to attract companies to North Carolina.

How are global manufacturers and distributors approaching investment decisions differently today compared with a few years ago?

They still consider many of the same things, such as site selection and talent pools; however, because of geopolitical tension, companies now understand they must also ensure their supply chains are smooth and efficient.

Many companies are considering the Southeast because of its proximity to Mexico. Some have relocated manufacturing facilities or opened new facilities there, and being in the Southeast provides an advantage because of that connection.

The biggest trend is that companies are not only looking at incentives. They are also evaluating how efficiently their business can operate with the right supply chain and workforce.

How does Aprio support foreign companies entering or expanding in the United States?

Aprio is unique because we have designated bilingual professional teams serving companies from different countries — Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, and Latin American teams, among others — with over 60 languages represented on staff. We understand the language, culture, and questions these companies bring. We deal with those issues regularly and are able to provide tremendous value because of that experience and understanding.

What trends are you seeing among Asian companies regarding their growth plans in the United States?

More Asian companies are looking at manufacturing closer to their customers. In the past, the model was to manufacture in Asia and ship products to the United States. That will continue to some extent, but many companies now recognize the uncertainty associated with supply chains, logistics, shipping, and tariffs. As a result, they are moving part of their operations to Mexico or the United States.

We see many Asian companies establishing manufacturing facilities in North America. Japanese companies have been doing this for a long time, while Korean and Chinese companies continue to expand their presence. Being closer to their customers makes it easier to respond more quickly to market needs.

What differentiates Aprio in the market?

The secret sauce for Aprio is our culture. We are guided by our 31Fundamentals, which value how people operate within the organization. Some focus on attention to detail, while others emphasize understanding the client’s perspective.

Another differentiator is our commitment to investing in talent. We provide professional training, external learning opportunities, and mentorship throughout the organization. That support helps people grow and creates a culture where employees help one another succeed.

I am also proud that approximately 20% of our employees are first-generation immigrants. We believe diverse talent brings valuable perspectives and opportunities, both for our firm and for our clients. Our customers are diverse, and it is important to have teams that understand different cultures and experiences.

How do you see Aprio leveraging AI in the coming years?

AI has had a tremendous impact on our profession. Many tasks that previously required significant manual effort can now be completed much more efficiently. The real question is how we use the time we save. The opportunity is to devote more resources to our clients in advisory services, data analysis, planning, and strategy.

AI is a tool, but success depends on how we use it and how we equip our people to use it. We are building an AI-enabled model that increases efficiency while continuing to invest heavily in talent and relationships. AI cannot replace human interaction, and we want our professionals to continue developing both technical experience and strong client relationships to grow, so our clients can too.

Where do you see the greatest opportunities for international investment in North Carolina over the next three to five years?

One of the biggest opportunities is population growth. More people are moving to North Carolina, increasing the talent pool and expanding the consumer market. That is a positive trend, and we need to capture that opportunity.

Another area for opportunity is increasing North Carolina’s name recognition among international investors. Many people outside the United States are familiar with states such as New York, California, Florida, and Texas, but they know much less about North Carolina.

When companies visit North Carolina, they are often impressed by the opportunities and the business-friendly environment. The challenge is getting them here in the first place. Improving awareness of the state could create significant opportunities for future growth.

What else should business leaders understand about Aprio’s platform and approach?

We take a holistic approach to serving clients. We are not focused on solving only one issue. We want to understand the client’s overall situation and bring the right resources to help them build a strong foundation and support future growth.

In addition to traditional tax and accounting services, we offer specialized services in advisory, legal, wealth, and talent.

I strongly believe Aprio stands out because of its openness to new ideas. We are focused on serving clients’ needs and bringing in services and capabilities to help with growth. Aprio Teams are willing to try new technologies, develop new services, and adapt as the market changes.

If we stay in the past, we are going to become history. We want to be ahead of the curve for our clients. We want to be the leader in our industry and support our clients’ growth.