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  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire departs on European trade mission

For Immediate Release: June 10, 2005

OLYMPIA � June 10, 2005 � Gov. Christine Gregoire departs today on her first trade mission to promote Washington products, services and investment opportunities and to raise the state�s visibility as a premier tourism destination. The governor will join business and community leaders at the Paris Air Show then visit Germany and the United Kingdom during the eight-day trip.

�We�re the most trade dependent state in the nation,� said Gregoire. �One in three jobs in Washington state is dependent on trade. In 2004, we exported $2.8 billion in goods to France, Germany and the United Kingdom and there is potential to grow our business there substantially.�

Aircraft, machinery, computer and medical equipment, and seafood are among Washington�s top exports to these counties. The mission coincides with the biennial Paris Air Show, the world�s largest and most comprehensive aerospace trade event of its kind. Washington business leaders will have a chance to speak face-to-face with leading industry decision-makers. Having a presence at the Air Show is very important to the state�s position as a premiere aerospace center.

Germany is the largest economy of the European Union (EU) and the gateway to the growth markets of Central and Eastern Europe. The country produces 29 percent of the EU's gross national product and is the banking center of Europe. The governor will visit Frankfurt and Mainz, two cites with significant potential for the bio-medical, information technology, and industrial machinery sectors-- important sectors in Washington State.

France, Germany and the United Kingdom rank in the top six countries with overseas visitors to Washington. In 2002, more than 80,000 tourists from these three nations arrived in Washington. Tourists from around the world contribute $11.6 billion per year to Washington�s economy.

For more information please visit the governor�s website to view:

The governor�s itinerary at: http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/default.htm

A list of delegates: http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/delegates.htm

Background on the purpose and objectives of the trip: http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/purpose.htm

Why Europe?: http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/whyeurope.htm

Why Now?: http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/whynow.htm

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