AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott signed an economic development Statement of Intent with French Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Olivier Becht while in Paris to promote business investments, job creation, and innovation in both France and Texas.
The governor joined First Lady Cecilia Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson for the final stop of the economic development mission to Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.
“Collaborating with our economic partners around the globe will ensure the Texas economy continues to flourish,” Abbott said during the July 14 signing ceremony. “(This) 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,” he said, adding, “Texas is proud to have that strong partnership with France. Working together, we will bring more economic development opportunities to Texas from France than ever before.”
Before the signing ceremony, Abbott attended France’s Bastille Day Military Parade with the First Lady, Consul General of France in Houston Valérie Baraban, and Honorary Consul General of France in Dallas the Honorable Jeanne Phillips.
He met with French President Emmanuel Macron during the national celebration and festivities and discussed how Texas’ leading economic might and business-friendly policies have attracted more businesses and people from across the globe.
Following the parade, he met with Becht, Baraban, and Phillips to sign an economic development Statement of Intent with the minister.
Accompanied by Nelson and the Texas delegation, Abbott and Becht discussed bolstering the strong economic relationship between Texas and France, including ways to attract more business investments and strengthen economic cooperation in technology, space, and energy. Abbott extended an invitation to Becht to visit Texas to witness how Texas’ economic model of pro-business policies and a reasonable regulatory climate encourages innovation and economic expansion.
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