York and North Yorkshire has welcomed representatives from Tokyo Metropolitan Government, representing an important global partnership for the region’s manufacturing economy.
Representatives from City of York Council, North Yorkshire Council, and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority gathered alongside business leaders at West Offices on Thursday 29 August to meet the visiting delegation and discuss innovative ideas and technologies for highway management.
Members of the team working on Tokyo’s Three Ring Expressways project were welcomed to York by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Margaret Wells, who emphasised the importance of international collaboration in a global effort to build a future of smarter and more sustainable cities.
The Three Ring Expressways project is an ambitious infrastructure scheme that will see billions of dollars invested in developing a new system of high-speed ring roads for the Greater Tokyo Area, the world’s most populous metropolis.
David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
We were delighted to welcome a Japanese delegation to York today alongside our partners the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council.
“These public and private sector partnerships are essential for our region to reach its full potential.
"We are good at what we do and we’re ambitious. This visit signals that our strengths in these sectors are being recognised internationally.
“It’s time to be confident, ambitious and champion York and North Yorkshire.”
Tony Corby, Head of Inward Investment and Business Growth at City of York Council, said:
We’re delighted that members of the team working on one of the world’s most ambitious urban highways projects have chosen to visit us in York.
“Large-scale infrastructure projects like those currently taking place in Tokyo represent amazing trade opportunities for businesses in our area who are developing exciting and innovative technologies to make highways safer, more resilient and more sustainable.
“Our Economic Growth team can support local businesses to develop their trade links overseas by putting them in touch with investors from across the globe – if you’re thinking of exporting your products or services, get in touch with us and we’ll help you take your next steps into global trade.”