The UK has signed a trade pact with Texas to boost trade and investment ties between the UK and Texas, as Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch welcomes Texas, Governor Greg Abbott to London this week.

Governor Abbott signed the Statement of Mutual Cooperation at 10 Downing Street with Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, to further strengthen the economic ties between the UK and Texas.

Governor Abbott met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss ways to strengthen our economic ties. He then met with former PM, now Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Cameron. The day ended with a reception hosted by Secretary Badenoch at the historic and beautiful Lancaster House with UK business leaders from across the BritishAmerican Business Network.

Richard Hyde, His Majesty’s Consul General for Texas wrote:

“A momentous day in the 182 year old UK-Texas relationship. We are proud to announce that Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Governor Abbott have signed the UK-Texas Statement of Mutual Cooperation at 10 Downing Street; a fitting venue for an important agreement.

Our Ambassador Karen Pierce started discussions with Texas Governor Greg Abbott on a Statement of Mutual Cooperation almost exactly 3 years ago. My team at the British Consulate-General, Houston has worked tirelessly since with Adriana Cruz the Governor’s director at Texas Economic Development to ensure that this agreement is substantive and matches the ambition that we have to link the 5th and 8th largest economies in the world. We have also appreciated the support of The Office of the Texas Secretary of State and friends of the UK like Tan Parker and Ross Perot Jr in pushing this agreement forward. Various Ministers and Trade Envoys have helped deliver this agreement including Penny Mordaunt, Greg Hands, Mike Freer, David Rutley and The Rt. Hon. Sir Conor Burns MP.

However, this agreement is just the start; there is much more work to do to achieve the growth in trade we want to see between the UK and Texas. We look forward to working closely with our official business partners here British American Bus. Council (BABC) Texas and Texas Association of Business, led by James McLennan and Glenn Hamer respectively.

We are grateful for the support of our colleagues in the US and the UK in making this agreement happen including: Tim Cork British Consulate-General, Houston, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America, Department for Business and Trade, FCDO, GREAT Trade and Investment”

James McLennan, President of BABC Texas welcomed the news.

“”As President of BABC Texas, the official business partner of the British-Consulate General – Houston, I am thrilled to see the signing of the UK-Texas SMC. This agreement cements an already strong relationship between Texas and the UK, and it is a wonderful opportunity for enhanced cooperation and prosperity in both regions. By strengthening ties in identified key sectors such as energy, life sciences and professional services, we are paving the way for enhanced trade and investment opportunities.

This agreement has the potential to open doors for businesses across various sectors, ensuring that all our members have the chance to benefit from the expanded opportunities. We look forward to working with Richard Hyde, Tim Cork and the whole team at British Consulate-General, Houston, and in turn, helping leverage this agreement to drive growth and prosperity for those doing business between Texas and the UK”.

Read the official UK Government Announcement here.

Read the Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott recap of the visit here.

Download the SMC here.