ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — News 13 spoke with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, where G20 Finance Track meetings are underway.
During a sit-down interview with News 13’s Charles Perez, Bessent was asked about his commitment to economic growth in western North Carolina.
“I have friends and family who were affected. One town near us, Bat Cave, North Carolina, the whole town just disappeared. So, for me, I think showing the resilience of the people here is very important and we’re also seeing economic growth,” Bessent said.
G20 FINANCE MEETINGS BEGIN IN ASHEVILLE, DRAWING GLOBAL LEADERS AND PROTESTERS
The G20 gathering is focusing on both global and local growth, with an emphasis on growing private sector business, manufacturing, and construction.
“The exposure on the global stage for Asheville, I grew up coming to this area, still have a house about an hour away, and I think this is one of the great under-reported gems of the U. S.,” Bessent said.
AUG. 30, 2026 – United States Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent with News 13’s Charles Perez in Asheville, N.C. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
The countries at the G20 finance meetings represent approximately 85% of the global GDP and about two-thirds of the world’s population.
ASHEVILLE G20 MEETINGS SPOTLIGHT HELENE RECOVERY, ECONOMIC PRIORITIES
“If you’re sitting in Germany, Japan, you’re gonna want to come to Asheville,” Bessent said.
The White House says the G20 finance meetings could bring as much as $20 million to the Asheville-Buncombe County area.
News 13 will have more on air and online.