Illinois Becomes 10th State to Sign MoU with UK

Yesterday (Wednesday 8th April), Illinois followed Colorado, Texas, Florida, Washington, Utah, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Indiana and South Carolina in signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK.

Though not a legally binding agreement, the MoU intends to:

• Increase trade between the United Kingdom and the State of Illinois through deepening economic development co-operation and trade relations.

• Create a forum to identify and address existing or anticipated barriers to trade, investment and economic co-operation and development.

• Foster innovation, strengthen business links, support women’s economic empowerment and opportunities for women, ethnic minorities and LGBT people, including employees, consumers, business owners, and entrepreneurs, and encourage investment and the creation of high-quality jobs across all regions of both the United Kingdom and the State of Illinois. Ensure no one is discriminated against in the workplace and recognise the opportunities of a diverse workforce.

• Improve supply chain resilience through increased co-operation.

• Grow academic and research ties through promoting collaborative projects, research and information exchange.

• Support sustainable economic growth (for example, through improved infrastructure, affordable housing, optimising education and industry partnerships, and protecting the quality of the environment).

Out of the 50 American states, Illinois has the 6th largest population and is the 5th largest state in terms of real GDP and disposable personal income. 

Businesses can find more information on each of the 10 MoUs by clicking here.