Spanberger leads trade mission to Europe
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger set out on her first overseas trade mission Saturday, a seven-day trip to Great Britain, Italy and France.
She is to meet with business executives in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals and energy.
Spanberger also is set to meet with Virginia's European partners, aiming to expand exports of the state's farm and forest products.
“Virginia’s economic future depends on our ability to compete in the global marketplace while expanding economic opportunity at home,” Spanberger said in a statement. “When global companies are considering where to invest in the United States, I always want Virginia to be their first choice.”
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Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger answers reporters' questions during a roundtable discussion at the Patrick Henry Building, Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Richmond.
KARA GILDEA, TIMES-DISPATCH
She said she will stress Virginia’s rise to third place in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” as well as the state's nationally recognized workforce development programs, such as the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program and her recently launched InternshipsVA initiative.
Spanberger plans to begin her trade mission in Britain, with the Farnborough International Airshow, a showcase for global aerospace and defense industries.
She then plans to head to Italy, for meetings focused on new investment opportunities and the growth of Italian businesses in Virginia.
The last leg of the trade mission is to take her to France, where she plans to host a Virginia reception to highlight what the state has to offer European businesses and tourists.
Joining her on the trade mission are Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier and senior officials from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
Since taking office, Spanberger has announced more than $5 billion in new business investment and more than 3,000 new jobs across the state.
Dave Ress (804) 649-6948
