For 20 years, Opportunity Austin has been working to make the Austin Region the most prosperous in the country. 600,000+ jobs created. Opportunity Austin is a five-year regional economic development initiative. Foreign Trade Zone of Central Texas (FTZ) is a cooperative effort between business, cities, and counties in Central Texas. FTZ is an area within the United States which is designated by the federal government as outside of U.S. Customs territory. FTZs encourage investment in the U.S. and the creation of jobs by allowing U.S. businesses to operate with equivalent customs treatment to business conducted off-shore. FTZ is committed to promoting international trade for companies that import and export merchandise in Central Texas.