RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) -An economic development trip will have the governor and state officials heading to Europe later this week.

Governor Roy Cooper, his wife, and state officials will head overseas Friday.

They will meet up with companies and government officials in France, Germany, and Switzerland to focus on investment and Job opportunities back here in North Carolina.

“We know our strategy of recruiting foreign direct investment from companies around the world creates great paying jobs and puts money in the pockets of North Carolina families,” said Cooper.

North Carolina leaders plan to meet with representatives of 14 companies, regional trade associations, and senior government officials.

The group will be there until the end of the month.

The state says more than 1,700 foreign companies chose North Carolina for their operations supporting 303,600 jobs.