Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, along with city officials, hosted Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium and a large delegation in a move to bolster economic ties between the city and Belgium. The gathering signified the city's efforts to strengthen international relationships and to showcase its readiness for major upcoming events like the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. According to a statement obtained by the Mayor's office, this was the third economic mission from Belgium to California.
During her closing remarks at the Smart and Resilient Cities conference, Mayor Bass stressed the importance of collaboration to slowly but surely realize a connected and sustainable urban future. Her words reflect the city's ambition to not only improve infrastructure but to do so in a way that fosters inclusivity and resiliency against climate change. "Los Angeles is proud to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid and the impressive Belgian delegation and to continue building strong economic, sports, and cultural connections," Mayor Bass was quoted in the official announcement.
The economic mission, which lasted from October 4-12, included over 70 activities across San Francisco and Los Angeles, culminating in an MOU between the Ports of LA and Antwerp-Bruges to advance sustainable maritime operations. As the Mayor's office reports, Princess Astrid led a 500-person delegation engaging in B2B meetings and various other exchanges aimed at accelerating economic growth in areas like event technology and renewable energy.
Mayor Bass has undoubtedly made strides in environmental policy since her office tenure began. Her initiatives include the Eland Solar-plus-Storage Center, aimed to power over a quarter of a million households, and the ambitious Zero Emissions & EVs plan to substantially increase electric vehicle infrastructure. According to the Mayor's office, these undertakings are part of a broader strategy to aggressively move towards establishing a healthier Los Angeles well before the eyes of the world focus on it for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
With investments in clean technology and sustainability, Los Angeles positions itself as a key player on the global stage. The delegation visit underscores the city's intent to tap into Belgium's expertise, given that nearly a third of Belgian enterprise jobs in California are stationed in L.A. County, as mentioned in the Mayor's press release. This collaboration simultaneously strengthens Los Angeles' standing as a destination for international trade and cultural exchange. The Ports of LA's joint commitments with Antwerp-Bruges and their participation in global climate initiatives are timely examples of the city's dedication to a sustainable future.
