In a move aimed at bolstering the economy and tightening international ties, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a new partnership with Belgium, which promises to enhance economic development and global trade. The announcement, made in San Francisco, marked the arrival of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, who leads the largest Belgian trade mission to California to date. According to a press release from the Governor's office, California and Belgium are set to collaborate on several fronts, including innovation in clean technologies, aerospace, and semiconductors.
The agreement, manifested through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to make headway in mutual trade and economic development. As detailed in the MOU, the deal will boost entrepreneurship, engage businesses in trade promotion, and solidify the innovation ecosystem through collaborative efforts. While speaking to the significance of the partnership, Ambassador Frédéric Bernard of Belgium cited the long-standing tradition of transatlantic cooperation and Belgium's commitment to innovation and sustainability. "Belgium being a hub for innovation, sustainability, and creativity, we are happy to build lasting ties, seize opportunities and fortify a concrete, balanced and resilient partnership with the United States," Bernard told the Governor's office.
Trade between California and Belgium has been thriving, with two-way trade reaching $3.3 billion in 2024, and California exports to Belgium having grown by more than 10%. The Golden State boasts a variety of top exports to Belgium, including, notably, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and electronics. On the flipside, Belgian imports support over 4,300 jobs in California, signaling a robust business relationship that the new partnership is set to further improve.
This development is part of California's ongoing efforts to assert its role in international affairs and economic ventures. Having launched two international partnerships with Brazil and Kenya focused on climate and economic initiatives just last month in New York, the state under Newsom's administration has cultivated 42 international partnerships. These agreements, Newsom stated, "lay critical groundwork for our continued economic success as well as prioritizing workers and businesses that benefit from these new opportunities." The clear intent is to harness global collaborations to secure California's position as a leading economy and foster advancements in various pivotal sectors.
