Villaraigosa courts investors in London

On the last leg of his three-nation tour, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa met today with business leaders in London and urged them to invest more in Los Angeles.

"London and the United Kingdom have a great deal to offer Los Angeles and Los Angeles has a great deal to offer in return," Villaraigosa said. "I want L.A. and London to work together and use our economic advantages to both of our gains."

London is Los Angeles' 12th largest trading partner and its second largest source of foreign direct investment.

According to Villaraigosa, the advantages of doing business in Los Angeles include its commitment to clean and green programs for sustainable development, and its growing venture capital sector interested in green projects.

He also noted Los Angeles County has a $513 billion economy -- the 19th largest in the world.

"I want to invite venture firms, businesses and educational institutions from around the world to join our journey to build a green economy together," Villaraigosa said.

He also met with current and former British government officials, including Lord Mayor of London Nick Anstee, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling and former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Villaraigosa has been overseas for a week, going first to Berlin to meet with German officials about economics, renewable technology and nature conservation. He also attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

He is expected to return to Los Angeles on Sunday.