SEATTLE (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire says her week-long European trade mission is well worth it, and meetings in Spain, France and Germany have expanded contacts and potential deals for Washington businesses.
The trip included a stop at the Paris Air Show where she says Washington was recognized for its work in composite materials. She says state aerospace suppliers and labor representatives saw the international scope of competition; it’s not just Boeing versus Airbus.
In a conference call with reporters Thursday from Germany, Gregoire said the delegation also has made business contacts on wind power, automotive technology and life sciences.
The trip is Gregoire’s sixth foreign trade mission. She is not seeking a third term and said she’ll use her final months in office helping restore the state’s economy and reducing unemployment.
