Click to slide down
Home » International Partnerships
Essex stands as a gateway to global opportunity, uniquely positioned to drive international trade and investment. With the financial and tax incentives offered by two thriving freeports, Thames Freeport and Freeport East—Essex offers unparalleled access to global markets. Its strategic location is bolstered by two international airports (London Stansted and London Southend), extensive road and rail networks, and proximity to London, Cambridge, and mainland Europe. This exceptional connectivity makes Essex a prime destination for businesses seeking seamless access to international supply chains, talent, and innovation ecosystems. As a result, Essex is not only well-connected but also well-prepared to harness these assets for sustained economic growth and global competitiveness.
Essex County Council aims to unlock long-term prosperity by engaging with global partners, and regions to attract inward investment, diversify it’s economic base, and gain access to new technologies and expertise. These collaborations not only open doors to international markets but also strengthen local supply chains, create high-value jobs, and enhance resilience against economic shocks.
For Essex County Council fostering such partnerships helps to ensure the region remains globally competitive, future-ready, and aligned with national growth ambitions.
Essex County Council is taking the first step of an exciting journey with our friends across the Atlantic at Virginia Beach Economic Development. Huge opportunities for growth in all sectors on both sides. This partnership has its origins in the offshore energy market with ambitions for Virgina Beach to host he largest offshore wind far m in the USA.
We are also connecting on other sectors such as the booming Toursim, culture and event sectors in the USA and how Essex can learn from their experiences and attract more USA travellers in to the region. Watch this space!
Essex County Council has developed a partnership involving KBC Bank, Indaver, East & West Flanders economic devlopment agencies, Freeport East and Generate Energy to explore and promote trade, investment, innovation and skills between both the regions through a range of initiatives.
The partnership was launched in March 2025 at the KBC Bank offices in London.
Register for the event
For more information about trading in the UK, setting up a business in Essex, the UK, to learn about the partnership or to discuss how you could get involved contact us on extraordinaryessex@essex.gov.uk.
