The United Kingdom might be exiting the European Union, but it's strengthening economic ties to San Diego and two other U.S. cities, the UK Department for International Trade announced Tuesday.
The British government announced that it will open offices in San Diego, Minneapolis and Raleigh to promote U.K. business, economic and political ties.
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"Our ambitious vision for an open and outward-looking U.K. economy includes growing our footprint in the most important markets around the world, and these three cities offer exciting opportunities to boost trade and investment," said Liam Fox, international trade secretary.
Fox said the cities were chosen because of their economic productivity and well-established research and development institutions.
San Diego officials have been building ties with the U.K. over the past year or so through a Brookings Institution program and have been trying to boost the city's international business profile, building on the thriving life sciences industry, tourism and defense.
"As San Diego's reputation as a global hub for trade and innovation continues to grow, we are excited to welcome a consulate office of the United Kingdom to our region," Mayor Kevin Faulconer said. "I look forward to working with British representatives to strengthen San Diego's relationship with the U.K."
According to the British trade department, each of the new offices will be staffed by one employee who will be recruited in the U.S., a model used successfully at similar locations in Denver and Seattle.
The U.K. also has offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
