Frankfort, Kentucky, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky plans to visit the U.K., France, and Ireland to boost economic growth and job creation. He will engage with over 45 companies, aiming to foster new investments worth over $3.5 billion and create 2,900 new jobs. The trip emphasizes Kentucky’s strong trade ties, particularly with Europe, where significant employment and investment opportunities exist.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Governor Andy Beshear is set to travel to the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland next week as part of an effort to enhance Kentucky’s economic growth and encourage job creation. The week-long trip will see Beshear accompanied by First Lady Britainy Beshear and key members of his administration, including Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel.
The governor’s office announced the details of the trip on Thursday, highlighting the primary goal of engaging with prominent business leaders and trade officials in Europe. A total of over 45 companies, featuring both new prospects and existing industries that currently operate in Kentucky, will be part of the discussions during this economic mission.
Among the 45 targeted companies, 16 are already part of Kentucky’s industrial landscape, employing approximately 4,000 workers. These established companies are recognized for their potential projects, which could yield up to 2,900 new full-time jobs and involve investments exceeding $3.5 billion.
Beshear views this trip as a vital opportunity to both reconnect with existing businesses based in Kentucky and to stimulate new foreign investments in the state’s economy. The U.K. and France rank as Kentucky’s second and third-largest export markets, with Kentucky exporting over $9.7 billion in goods to these countries in 2024.
European investments have become increasingly important for Kentucky, where over 40,000 people are employed by European-owned companies spread across 238 facilities in the state, representing 17 different countries. Specifically, the state is home to 26 companies from the U.K. that collectively employ more than 2,700 people. Additionally, there are 40 French-owned businesses providing jobs for over 5,600 Kentuckians, and eight Irish-owned companies that employ nearly 1,000 individuals in the state.
Governor Beshear’s upcoming trip is part of a broader strategy, following previous international travels aimed at fostering economic development. Past destinations include Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Switzerland. His administration has touted significant achievements, reporting an astonishing total of over $43 billion in investments and the creation of more than 63,200 new jobs during his tenure.
Noteworthy large-scale projects under Governor Beshear’s leadership include the Ford Motor Company and SK On’s facility in Hardin County, valued at $5.8 billion, which is projected to create around 5,000 jobs in the region. Another major initiative involves Envision AESC’s $2 billion investment in Warren County, which is expected to generate 2,000 additional jobs.
As Kentucky aims to solidify its economic ties with Europe, the governor’s trip promises to be a significant step forward in broadening the state’s global trade relationships and attracting vital investment opportunities.
Key Economic Stats from Kentucky’s International Trade
- 2024 Exports to U.K. and France: $9.7 billion
- Employees at U.K.-based companies: 2,700
- Employees at French businesses: 5,600
- Employees at Irish companies: 1,000
- Overall employment from European-owned businesses in Kentucky: 40,000
Investments and Job Creation Goals
- Potential new jobs from focused businesses: 2,900
- Projected investments in Kentucky from these businesses: $3.5 billion
Governor Beshear’s Economic Development Travel History
- Past international trips: Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Switzerland
- Total investments announced during Beshear’s administration: $43 billion
- Total jobs created: 63,200
FAQ
What is the purpose of Governor Beshear’s trip?
The purpose of the trip is to enhance Kentucky’s economic growth and create job opportunities by meeting with business leaders and trade officials in the U.K., France, and Ireland.
How many companies will Beshear’s delegation meet with?
The delegation plans to engage with over 45 companies during the week-long trip, including both new and established businesses in Kentucky.
What are the expected outcomes of the trip?
The trip aims to foster new investments and potentially create up to 2,900 full-time jobs as well as securing over $3.5 billion in business investments for Kentucky.
Why are the U.K. and France important for Kentucky?
The U.K. and France are key trade partners for Kentucky, ranking as the second and third-largest export markets, with total exports exceeding $9.7 billion in 2024.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Today: Beshear Heading to Europe on Economic Development Mission
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- Kentucky.com: Politics and Government
- Google Search: Economic Growth in Kentucky
- CSR Wire: Duke Energy Helps Communities
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Economic Development
- KY Chamber Bottom Line: Tourism and Bourbon Drive Economic Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Economy
- Lane Report: South Central Kentucky Fastest Economy
- Google News: Kentucky Investment Opportunities
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