York and North Yorkshire businesses and local authorities have met representatives from Tokyo Metropolitan Government in a move said to represent an important global partnership for the region’s manufacturing economy.
Under discussion were innovative ideas and technologies for highway management, with a focus on Tokyo’s development of its Three Ring Expressways project, 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..
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.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “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.”