Youngkin to embark on Northern Europe trade mission

Gov. Glenn Youngkin will leave on his third international trade mission next week, visiting Germany, Denmark, Finland and Switzerland, his office announced Wednesday.

According to the news release, he will meet with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, along with officials in Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; Helsinki; and Zurich, from April 28 through May 3.

“This economic development trade mission with strong European partners will build on business relations, our shared priorities and highlight the commonwealth’s capabilities,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Virginia’s strong workforce, incredible business environment, robust transportation system and world-class education institutions make the commonwealth uniquely positioned to attract businesses around the globe. Germany, Denmark, Finland and Switzerland represent critical markets that will advance economic growth and prosperity in Virginia. In strengthening these relationships, we are not only reaffirming our commitment to economic development in the commonwealth but also strengthening the spirit of Virginia.”

In April 2023, Youngkin embarked on his first international trade mission as governor, meeting with Taiwan’s president and visiting Japan and South Korea, and in December 2023, he traveled to France, where he attended the 2023 International Paris Air Show, where he met with aerospace executives and other defense officials.

According to the governor’s office, there are 119 German-owned companies with presences in Virginia, as well as 30 Swiss corporations, 13 Danish companies and eight Finnish businesses. Denmark-based Lego Group is building a $1 billion manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, the state’s largest economic development win announced during Youngkin’s administration. It’s expected to be operational in 2027, the toymaker said in February.