Gov. Greg Abbott traveled to France on Friday to meet with international leaders and sign a statement of intent that reaffirmed the strong economic ties between the State of Texas and the European nation.
First Lady Cecilia Abbott and Secretary of State Jane Nelson, along with a delegation that included Dallas’ own Park and Recreation Board President Arun Agarwal, have been on an economic development mission to several of Texas’ key trading partners, as reported by The Dallas Express.
After time in Germany and England, the group went to France in time to participate in Bastille Day festivities. The holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution.
The governor joined the First Lady and the Texas delegation for the holiday, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and other international dignitaries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Abbott signed an economic development declaration alongside Olivier Becht, the French minister for foreign trade, economic attractiveness, and foreign nationals abroad.
The statement of intent served as a “recognition of the strong economic ties between the State of Texas … and the French Republic” and indicated “their willingness to encourage collaboration, increase prosperity in both regions and contribute to the further development of favorable relations between Texas and France.”
The statement is a symbolic gesture rather than a legally binding agreement.
“Collaborating with our economic partners around the globe will ensure the Texas economy continues to flourish,” explained Abbott in a press release. “By signing this statement of intent, it will encourage foreign business investment, promote economic development projects, and increase trade opportunities between Texas and France.”
“Forging strong economic bonds with reliable partners is more important now than ever. Texas is proud to have that strong partnership with France,” Abbott said. “Working together, we will bring more economic development opportunities to Texas from France than ever before.”
Reactions to Abbott’s presence in France were mixed, with some suggesting that it indicated a desire for higher office.
“Someone wants to be President, which explains all the hateful Trumpy things he is doing in Texas,” claimed former Democratic candidate Katherine Turner-Pearson on Twitter. “He’s not really concerned about Texas, he is just setting the stage for his Presidential run.”
Similarly, Bexar County Democratic activist Kathleen Vale said, “GOP Texas Governor celebrates BASTILLE DAY in Paris, France on taxpayer’s dime while funding for public education is in peril, 50yo neglected electric grid is hobbling, 1 in 5 TX kids live HUNGRY, 38% TX resident renters see no property tax relief, and GUN VIOLENCE rages.”
The trip was funded and sponsored by the Texas Economic Development Corporation, a “public-private partnership” described as “an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for marketing and promoting Texas as a premier business location.”
