Governor Gretchen Whitmer traveled to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for an investment mission, the first time in state history a governor has visited the region. While there, she will work to strengthen economic ties in the region, boost job creation, meet with women leaders for a roundtable discussion highlighting issues facing women leaders globally, and showcase the state’s leadership in the defense and aerospace industries.
Key Points:
-
- The delegation will attend the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s premier defense and security trade shows.
- Michigan’s defense and aerospace sectors generate $30 billion in economic activity and support over 166,000 jobs.
- The state is home to nearly 4,000 businesses serving the defense, aerospace, and homeland security industries, and boasts a highly skilled workforce, with nearly 123,000 engineers and a skilled trades workforce exceeding 277,000 individuals.
Those joining the governor include:
-
- Major General Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
- MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr.
- Chief Innovation Officer Ben Marchionna
- Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation Executive Director Col. John Gutierrez
- Oakland County Executive David Coulter
- Wayne County Executive Warren Evans
- Founder & Chairman of the Arab American Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trustees AhmadChebbani
- Executive Director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and CEO Tejara Bilal Hammoud
“Michigan is an international leader in defense and aerospace, and this mission builds on our work to grow these key industries and bring jobs and investments back home,” said Governor Whitmer. “By engaging with global partners in the UAE and Bahrain, we will highlight the strength of Michigan’s advanced manufacturing, engineering expertise, and cutting-edge research that drive innovation in defense and security, while showcasing why the international community should continue to expand and ‘Make It’ in Michigan.”
