Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz joined Sir John Peace and representatives from the Midlands Engine in the United Kingdom recently to sign an extension to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Maryland and Midlands Engine.

The Midlands Engine partnership brings together public sector partners and businesses to complement the activity of local and combined authorities, universities, businesses and others in the United Kingdom. The virtual signing session extended the MOU by three years, aiding in the continuation of the beneficial partnership between the two regions.

Initially, the MOU was signed in 2017 and was designed to promote economic development, assist cybersecurity companies in Maryland and the Midlands, and draw investments into the regions. Since this agreement, there have been numerous international trade missions between the two countries and the working relationship has expanded into sectors like healthcare and life sciences.

"We're delighted that Maryland can continue to build on this partnership with the Midlands in the years to come,” said Secretary Schulz. “We have already expanded our initial agreement to incorporate the life sciences as well as cybersecurity, and renewing this MOU will support our businesses on both sides of the Atlantic as they increase exports, expand and create new jobs for our citizens."

For more information on the Midlands Engine and the MOU visit their website or visit the Maryland Department of Commerce website.