Oregon and UK Forge Strategic Trade and Innovation Pact Under Governor Kotek
Governor Tina Kotek signs memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom focusing on technology, clean energy and advanced manufacturing
Governor Tina Kotek signed a memorandum of understanding on November 5, 2025, with the United Kingdom to deepen economic cooperation between the State of Oregon and the UK. The agreement directs both parties to prioritise sectors such as digital technology, semiconductors, cybersecurity, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, transportation services and tourism.
In a statement, Kotek emphasised that ‘‘this agreement is a signal of a renewed, strengthened partnership between our state and the United Kingdom, because the work is too important to wait for Washington.’’ The document appoints Business Oregon as the lead agency for the state and tasks the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, via the British Consulate-General in San Francisco, to partner on implementation.
The memorandum underscores a commitment to accelerate Oregon’s transition to net-zero emissions and to support innovation that benefits workers and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
The UK Consul-General, Eleanor Kiloh, described the pact as ‘‘an exciting new chapter in the long relationship between the United Kingdom and Oregon’’ and noted its aim to drive ‘‘real progress for our businesses and workers.’’
Oregon’s exports to the UK last year reached approximately $238.4 million, marking a 32 per cent rise since 2022. With the UK identified as one of Oregon’s top target markets for foreign investment, the memorandum is expected to open new pathways for trade missions, joint events and investment flows across high-tech and sustainable-economy sectors.
The agreement comes amid a broader push by the UK to deepen sub-national economic partnerships in the United States following the country’s exit from the European Union.
While the memorandum is non-binding, it establishes frameworks to address trade barriers and increase bilateral investment in key growth areas.
Implementation will proceed via regular coordination between Oregon’s Business Oregon and the UK’s trade and investment agencies.
The partnership presents opportunities for Oregon to strengthen its global innovation standing and for the UK to deepen its trans-atlantic ties in clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
In a statement, Kotek emphasised that ‘‘this agreement is a signal of a renewed, strengthened partnership between our state and the United Kingdom, because the work is too important to wait for Washington.’’ The document appoints Business Oregon as the lead agency for the state and tasks the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, via the British Consulate-General in San Francisco, to partner on implementation.
The memorandum underscores a commitment to accelerate Oregon’s transition to net-zero emissions and to support innovation that benefits workers and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
The UK Consul-General, Eleanor Kiloh, described the pact as ‘‘an exciting new chapter in the long relationship between the United Kingdom and Oregon’’ and noted its aim to drive ‘‘real progress for our businesses and workers.’’
Oregon’s exports to the UK last year reached approximately $238.4 million, marking a 32 per cent rise since 2022. With the UK identified as one of Oregon’s top target markets for foreign investment, the memorandum is expected to open new pathways for trade missions, joint events and investment flows across high-tech and sustainable-economy sectors.
The agreement comes amid a broader push by the UK to deepen sub-national economic partnerships in the United States following the country’s exit from the European Union.
While the memorandum is non-binding, it establishes frameworks to address trade barriers and increase bilateral investment in key growth areas.
Implementation will proceed via regular coordination between Oregon’s Business Oregon and the UK’s trade and investment agencies.
The partnership presents opportunities for Oregon to strengthen its global innovation standing and for the UK to deepen its trans-atlantic ties in clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
