Governor Glenn Youngkin is set to lead a Virginia delegation on an economic trade mission to Paris, France, and London, England starting June 15. The mission aims to strengthen investment, workforce, and innovation ties with key European partners. In London, Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin will participate in the rededication of the George Washington statue at Trafalgar Square, originally gifted by Virginia in 1914. Accompanying the Governor are Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller, and officials from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
“Virginia is home to many of the world’s premier aerospace companies,” stated Governor Youngkin. “This trade mission is an opportunity to showcase our best-in-class workforce, business-friendly environment, and proven economic development expertise.” He highlighted that since January 2022, Virginia has experienced record-breaking capital investment commitments from both local expansions and global businesses choosing to build in the Commonwealth.
The mission will commence at the 2025 Paris Air Show where Governor Youngkin plans to meet with executives from aviation and defense sectors. He will promote Virginia’s advanced-manufacturing assets and spotlight the new Aerospace Talent Accelerator program graduating its first class this summer.
Over ten years, Virginia has attracted 68 aerospace projects worth over $850 million in investments creating more than 4,200 high-skill jobs. Key assets contributing to this momentum include NASA Wallops Flight Facility and NASA Langley Research Center. The Paris Air Show typically draws over 300,000 attendees from around the globe.
In the United Kingdom—one of Virginia’s largest sources of foreign direct investment—Governor Youngkin will engage with corporate leaders to enhance commercial relations and encourage new projects within Virginia.
Since early 2022, companies have committed over $100 billion in capital investments leading to more than 270,000 jobs in Virginia. The trade mission aims to position Virginia for future high-value projects by showcasing its talent pool and pro-business climate.
