Governor Northam leads international trade and marketing mission to Europe

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam will lead a five-day international trade and marketing mission to Europe from July 15–20, 2018. The Governor will be accompanied by First Lady Pamela Northam, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball, and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring, as well as representatives from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Virginia Tourism Corporation.

The Governor and his delegation will visit the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany, and participate in more than 30 meetings over the course of the mission.

“Trade and marketing missions like this one are outstanding opportunities to bring the Virginia story to job creators, trade partners and tourists around the globe,” said Governor Northam. “I look forward to the many meetings we will conduct over the course of this trip as we work every day make our economy work better for every Virginian, no matter who they are or where they live.”

On July 16, the Governor and his delegation will travel to London, England to attend the Farnborough International Airshow and a number of business development events related to the airshow. Governor Northam will also host a Virginia reception for senior corporate executives from the greater London area and those attending the Farnborough Airshow, and promote the Commonwealth’s desirable business location advantages, tourism assets, and increased opportunities for Virginia agricultural products.

The Governor will meet with Consul General Elizabeth Lee Martinez and Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs Todd Avery in Rome, and host a dinner reception with the U.S. Consul General in Milan. The Governor and his team will also meet with senior business executives in Italy and Germany.