District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, and Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe led a joint marketing and trade mission to Canada in September. They were joined by a delegation of area elected officials and leaders from the private and non-profit sectors, which included COG Board of Directors Member Phil Mendelson (District of Columbia Councilmember) and COG Executive Director Chuck Bean.
The two-day trip to Toronto promoted trade, tourism, and investment opportunities between Canada and metropolitan Washington.
According to a joint statement by the Governors and Mayor, Canada ranks first among U.S. export destinations, and also exports more to Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia combined than it does to Germany, France, or any European Union country, besides the United Kingdom.
The trade mission demonstrated the commitment by area leaders to boost and diversify the region’s economy by strengthening international connections.
“This new step highlights the value of collaboration and cooperation in a region that stretches from Baltimore, through the District of Columbia and all the way to Richmond,” said Kenyan McDuffie, COG Board of Directors Chairman and District of Columbia Councilmember. “All the local jurisdictions in metropolitan Washington look forward to strengthening their ties with Canada.”
Maryland and Virginia currently maintain strong trading relationships with Canada. Maryland’s Canadian trade is worth $3.5 billion and more than 206,000 of the state’s jobs depend on that trade. Virginia’s trade with Canada is valued at $5.2 billion and supports 281,000 jobs in the Commonwealth. The Canadian Embassy is located in the District of Columbia along with the Canadian-American Business Council.
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Mayor Bowser Joins Capital Region Joint Trade and Diplomatic Mission to Canada
Hogan joins Virginia governor, D.C. mayor in trade mission to Canada (Baltimore Sun)