British officials kick off U.S. green tour

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HOUSTON, May 7 (UPI) -- A growing green market opens the door to stronger U.S.-British energy ties, the British energy and climate change minister said at the start of a trade mission.

British Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker arrived in Houston this week with a trade delegation looking to strengthen bilateral ties in the green energy sector.

"The growing global market in green goods and services represents a huge range of opportunities for U.K. businesses," he said in a statement. "What is good for the planet can be fantastic for business too and I want to help British entrepreneurs and companies seize those opportunities with both hands."

His country, the minister said, is leading the way in the shift from a carbon-intensive to a low-carbon economy.

Barker's delegation will be in Houston through Monday. The British Department of Energy and Climate Change said Houston's economy is on par with mid-sized European countries like Austria or Norway.

He'll be in San Antonio through Wednesday and end his weeklong visit in Atlanta.

"I am encouraged by this visit, specifically as it relates to strengthening our ties in the areas of spurring innovation and competitiveness for green energy solutions here and abroad," said Georgia's Gov. Nathan Deal in a statement.