PHOTOS: Capito Hosts Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S. in West Virginia

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today hosted Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States, for a series of events at the 88th Annual West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Business Summit.

First, Senator Capito moderated a one-on-one conversation with Ambassador Hillman where they discussed West Virginia's strong relationship with Canada. Next, Senator Capito and Ambassador Hillman convened business, state, and federal leaders for a roundtable discussion focused on ways to expand bilateral opportunities between West Virginia and Canada.

"Canada is an important partner to West Virginia," Senator Capito said. "In fact, the bilateral relationship between our countries-specifically West Virginia-holds vital importance to our countries' national security, energy security, and economic growth. I was thrilled to have Ambassador Hillman join me in West Virginia to share her perspective and discuss ways we can collaborate to build upon Canada and West Virginia's strong trade and economic partnership in ways that are mutually beneficial."

"Canada is West Virginia's biggest customer - we buy $2.1 billion worth of West Virginian goods every year. In fact, West Virginia sells more goods to Canada than to its next six largest foreign markets combined. These exports create hundreds of jobs in the Mountain State, making us stronger together. Thank you Senator Capito for the conversation at this year's West Virginia Business Summit to talk about how together, Canada and West Virginia, are uniting business and igniting prosperity," Ambassador Hillman said.

BACKGROUND:

In 2023, West Virginia's largest export market was Canada. West Virginia exported $2.1 billion in goods to Canada in 2023, representing 38% of the state's total goods exports. In 2021, foreign-controlled companies employed 28,400 West Virginia workers, with Canada being among the major sources of foreign investment in West Virginia. West Virginia is proud to host 37 Canadian-owned companies that employ around 1,300 workers in the state and contribute to the local economies.

Photos from today's events are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) addresses the 88th West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Business Summit in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) moderates a discussion with Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States, at the 88th West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Business Summit in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States, host a roundtable discussion with business, state, and federal leaders at the 88th West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Business Summit in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

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