(The Center Square) – Strengthening relationships with international employers, attracting new business investment and expanding economic opportunity in Virginia is the goal of a European trip this week by Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

The first-year Democrat is journeying to the United Kingdom, Italy and France. Footprints are already in Virginia for BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce from the United Kingdom, Selex Galileo from Italy and Airbus Group from France.

“Virginia’s economic future depends on our ability to compete in the global marketplace while expanding economic opportunity at home,” said Spanberger in a release. “When global companies are considering where to invest in the United States, I always want Virginia to be their first choice. Every meeting is an opportunity to showcase Virginia’s exceptional workforce, world-class infrastructure, and collaborative approach to economic development as we work to create jobs and opportunity across every region of our commonwealth.”

Also on the trip representing the state are Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier, and senior officials from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

While in Europe, the group is expected to attend the Farnborough International Airshow. This is an internationally known aerospace and defense industry event that began Monday and includes more than 1,400 exhibitors from 41 countries.

The group is scheduled to return home this weekend.

This post was originally published on The Center Square.