We have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Virginia Beach in the US. The city, about the size of Bristol, has booming technology and renewables sectors.
Our Deputy Leader, Councillor Louise McKinlay, signed the MOU with colleagues from Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council. It was signed at the US Embassy in London yesterday (12 November). Signing for Virginia Beach was the City’s Deputy City Manager, Amanda Jarratt.
Amanda said:
There is a huge amount of common ground between East Anglia and Virginia Beach.
Our city is one of the main hubs for the US offshore wind industry, as well as technology sectors like software and cybersecurity – and companies from East Anglia are already doing well there.
Our Leader, Councillor Kevin Bentley, said:
The technology and renewables sectors are hugely significant to the Essex economy, and will become even more so in the future. Signing this agreement with Virginia Beach alongside our close partners at Suffolk and Norfolk county councils is extremely exciting and we look forward to the benefits it will bring to economies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Councillor McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said:
As well as bringing us closer ties with our regional neighbours, this agreement with Virginia Beach will help to boost transatlantic trade and cooperation in two significant growth sectors.
We share much in common with Virginia Beach and this partnership will work across business, research, academia and training to create a closer and more productive relationship for all those involved.
Councillor Kay Mason Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said:
Offshore wind has a significant role to play in our future prosperity with the huge windfarms being developed off our coast and the Operations & Maintenance Campus in Great Yarmouth, and we also have a burgeoning technology sector, so there are obvious areas where Virginia Beach and Norfolk can mutually benefit from this agreement.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
The success of companies like Chorus Intelligence in the US market shows what is possible through international collaboration. With Suffolk's delivery in clean energy, advanced manufacturing and tech innovation, supported by hubs like OrbisEnergy and Innovation Martlesham, we look forward to working with Virginia Beach to share knowledge and drive growth in both regions.
The MOU replaces a 2021 version signed between the New Anglia LEP and the US city.
Several initiatives are under discussion for 2025 and beyond. These include support for US investors and exporters interested in coming to East Anglia.