May 22, 2024
The Chamber’s International & Public Affairs Team, in partnership with the San Diego World Trade Center, met with Emily Cloke, Consul General of the UK in Los Angeles to reinforce economic collaboration efforts in the defense industry and identify other opportunities. Consul General Cloke was also in San Diego to celebrate British Airways’ new daily flight connecting San Diego with London. With a 50% market growth for international flights between San Diego and Europe for the last five years, British Airways has served about two million passengers since 2011. While 60% of those flying from San Diego to London stay in London, the rest connect to surrounding cities. Two airlines were assigned to route in San Diego departing at 5:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. The second flight is seasonal, expected to end on October 25.
Sone Kenko, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, also visited San Diego and met with the Chamber team to explore further collaborations between Japanese companies and our region. Japan is exploring opportunities in Mexico due to its proximity with the U.S. and is expected to invest $4 billion in 2024. The importance and strength of the CaliBaja region was emphasized and the delegation appreciated the ongoing partnerships across a variety of industries.
The Chamber also met with a delegation from Bermuda and hosted a delegation from South Korea in partnership with Mayor Todd Gloria’s office and the San Diego World Trade Center. This meeting was a follow up on the trade delegation to South Korea led by the WTC last year and helped continue conversations on economic development opportunities and investment in our region.
Meeting with South Korean delegation
Coming up, and in partnership with the Ensenada EDC, the Chamber is proud to co-host a meeting bringing together business stakeholders from San Diego and Ensenada to identify and explore economic and collaboration opportunities. From logistics, biotechnology, pharma, IT, and manufacturing, to food and beverages, and tourism, there are many opportunities to boost our shared economy. Join us on May 30 at 12:30 p.m. at the Chamber office for a meeting with Mayor Carlos Ibarra and Ensenada business leaders! RSVP here.
In addition, a delegation from Vietnam has extended an invitation to join a Khanh Hoa – San Diego Trade, Investment, and Tourism Forum on June 3 from 2:00-5:30 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. The forum will explore business, investment, and tourism prospects and be followed by a networking dinner. Register here.