California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a new partnership between California and Belgium aimed at expanding economic relations and promoting research and innovation, particularly in clean technologies.
The announcement was made in San Francisco during a visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, who is leading the largest Belgian trade mission to California. The event brought together delegations from both regions for bilateral discussions on topics such as the innovation economy, clean energy, aerospace, and semiconductors. During the meeting, California and Belgium signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to encourage trade, entrepreneurship, business engagement, and strengthen their innovation ecosystems. The text of the MOU is available online.
“There’s no better place to do business than right here in California, the world’s fourth-largest economy. That’s why we’re proud to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid and Belgium’s largest trade mission to our state in history. At its core, our work together proves California remains a stable, reliable partner on the global stage,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
Belgium’s Ambassador to the United States, Frédéric Bernard, added: “The Belgian economic mission to California is part of a strong and sustainable tradition of transatlantic cooperation. 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.”
According to state officials, the partnership will promote mutually beneficial trade by facilitating entrepreneurship and business engagement; strengthen innovation ecosystems through public–private collaboration and academic exchange; advance partnerships across sectors including government-to-government initiatives; and support knowledge sharing through best practices exchanges and regional dialogues.
In 2024 alone, two-way trade between California and Belgium reached $3.3 billion. Exports from California to Belgium grew by more than 10%, with key products including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, manufactured commodities, and electronics. Imports from Belgium totaled nearly $900 million last year—making California one of the top U.S. importers of Belgian goods—and Belgian-owned companies currently support over 4,300 jobs within the state.
California continues its international outreach under Governor Newsom’s administration; since taking office he has overseen 42 international partnerships designed to promote economic growth while supporting workers and businesses throughout the state. Last month in New York City,the Governor launched new agreements with Brazil and Kenya focused on climate action as well as economic development.
