Today, several members of Team South Carolina gathered to welcome European Union (E.U.) Ambassador to the U.S. David O’Sullivan to the Palmetto State. An important occasion, O’Sullivan’s visit is a testament to just how globally-connected South Carolina’s economy is.
“Nearly 43 years ago, we established our first international presence with an office in Germany,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Obviously, that decision has paid off, as, over the last four decades, our partnerships with European companies have thrived.”
Accounting for nearly a third of the state’s export sales total last year, countries in the E.U. are among South Carolina’s top international trade partners. In fact, through the first two quarters of 2017, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Belgium each accounted for at least $300 million in exports from South Carolina.
Recognizing that passenger vehicles are among the top commodities exported from the Palmetto State to Europe, Ambassador O’Sullivan visited BMW’s robust Upstate plant prior to meeting with South Carolina business leaders today at the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m delighted to be here in South Carolina,” said O’Sullivan. “I want you to know that I personally drive a BMW, and I’m about to buy a Volvo.”
As he addressed some of South Carolina’s top business leaders, Ambassador O’Sullivan emphasized the importance of the partnership between the E.U. and the U.S.
“The relationship between Europe, the E.U. and the United States is the single most important economic relationship in the world,” said O’Sullivan. “There is no relationship which equals it in terms of cross investment and cross trade.”
Looking ahead, as leaders in the E.U. and in South Carolina work to ensure a future of prosperity, it’s clear that building upon this mutually-beneficial economic partnership will be critical.