Cecilia Abbott, Texas’ first lady, and Secretary of State Jane Nelson are leading an international economic development mission across several European nations, working to build Texas’ standing abroad.
Having left on July 8, First Lady Abbott and Secretary Nelson have been working “to promote Texas’ world-class economy and attract more global business investment to the state” and are scheduled to return on Saturday.
“Thanks to the strength of our skilled and growing workforce, Texas is a magnet for business investments from around the world,” Abbott explained in a press release.
“I am proud to represent the people of this great state as we again travel to Germany, the United Kingdom, and France with Secretary Nelson, Economic Development & Tourism Executive Director Adriana Cruz, and members of the delegation representing our Texas business and community partners.”
Secretary Nelson echoed the sentiment, saying, “Texas’ strong economy offers many opportunities for investment and partnership to benefit both our state and Europe. … I’m delighted to join the First Lady in representing Texas on this important economic development mission.”
The trip began in Germany, where companies “have invested $9.4 billion … through 141 projects in Texas, creating more than 11,900 jobs,” per the press release. “In 2022, Texas’ total trade with Germany totaled $17.3 billion, making Germany the state’s 13th-largest total trade partner.”
From Germany, the mission moved on to London to meet with British partners and politicians. Abbott and Nelson also joined Jane Hartley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom. Texas enjoys a special relationship with the United Kingdom, where trade with Texas totaled $21.2 billion last year.
Dallas’ own Park and Recreation Board president, Arun Agarwal, joined the first lady and secretary of state in his capacity as the vice chairman of the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.
For Bastille Day, Agarwal and the group made their way to Paris, partaking in the celebration.
Sharing pictures and videos from the events, Agarwal noted, “Bastille day [is a] national holiday in France, the event marked the start of the French Revolution, displacing monarchy and democratic government established.”
The trip is funded and sponsored by the Texas Economic Development Corporation, which is “an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for marketing and promoting Texas as a premier business location.”
