Governor Spanberger Heads To Europe For First International Economic Mission
Governor Abigail Spanberger will lead her first economic trade mission to the United Kingdom, Italy, and France from Saturday, July 18th until Friday, July 24th. The mission focuses on strengthening the Commonwealth’s relationships with international employers, attracting new business investment, and expanding economic opportunity across Virginia. Throughout the trip, Spanberger will participate in meetings with senior business executives to strengthen the Commonwealth’s relationship for European companies.
“Virginia’s economic future depends on our ability to compete in the global marketplace while expanding economic opportunity at home,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “When global companies are considering where to invest in the United States, I always want Virginia to be their first choice. Every meeting is an opportunity to showcase Virginia’s exceptional workforce, world-class infrastructure, and collaborative approach to economic development as we work to create jobs and opportunity across every region of our Commonwealth.”
Governor Spanberger will be joined on the trade mission by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier, and senior officials from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), and Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS).
“Virginia’s international relationships are based upon years of consistent engagement and a commitment to building trusted partnerships,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “This mission allows us to deepen those connections, showcase Virginia’s competitive advantages, and continue advancing opportunities that support long-term economic growth. Face-to-face engagement with global business leaders remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen our project pipeline and position the Commonwealth for future investment.”
“Virginia’s agricultural and forestry industries, two of the Commonwealth’s most important economic sectors, depend on strong international partnerships,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier. “This mission provides an opportunity to promote Virginia’s world-class agricultural and forestry products and execute the Governor’s directive in Executive Order 5 to grow Virginia’s agricultural and forestry exports.”
The Governor will begin the mission in the United Kingdom and attend the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the world’s premier aerospace and defense industry events. She will then travel to Italy for additional meetings focused on business growth and new investment opportunities, before concluding the mission in France to host a Virginia Reception to highlight the best of what the Commonwealth has to offer.
