Governor JB Pritzker along with leaders in business and education from around the state will embark on a trade mission to the United Kingdom on July 16.
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The Governor will kick off the international trip by attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 13-16 to discuss Illinois' commitment to electric vehicle manufacturing with automobile, energy, and supply chain industry leaders.
Following the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a delegation of business and education leaders will meet with their counterparts in London to discuss strengthening economic cooperation between the State of Illinois and the United Kingdom.
Programming throughout the mission will focus on manufacturing, clean energy and technology, quantum, higher education collaboration, and other key industries.
"When I first ran for Governor, I promised to be our state's best Chief Marketing Officer—letting the world know that Illinois is the best place to live, work, and do business," said Governor JB Pritzker.
"Over the next several days, I couldn't be more excited to meet with UK and international leaders—sharing the many virtues of our state, from our talented workforce and world-class manufacturing industry to our booming electric vehicle ecosystem and ambitious clean energy goals."
"The State of Illinois and the United Kingdom have a longstanding economic relationship and as Illinois' economic development agency, we look forward to building upon this enduring partnership," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards.
"With $5 billion in bilateral trade in 2022, this trip will help us further strengthen our ties and give us the opportunity to meet with some of the most talented leaders across industries in the UK while forging connections on business opportunities that will benefit Illinoisans and people from Britain alike."
"The UK is one of the top foreign investors in Illinois, so this trip is about building on that strength to encourage more British companies to be in Illinois," said Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals. "We're making the case for our skilled workforce, our central location, our quality of life, and our international outlook."
Illinois exports to United Kingdom totaled $1.94 billion in 2022. The United Kingdom is Illinois' 9th largest export market. Illinois ranks 10th among the 50 U.S. states in exports to the United Kingdom.
Illinois imports from the United Kingdom totaled $3.14 billion in 2022, a 139.8% increase since 2009. The United Kingdom is Illinois' 13th largest import market. Illinois ranks 6th among the 50 U.S. states in imports from the United Kingdom. ■