The princely economic mission getting under way this weekend in California marks a major step for Wallonia. No fewer than 74 companies and 156 Walloon participants are taking part in this mission, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, with a clear objective: to strengthen strategic partnerships and showcase Walloon innovation at the heart of Silicon Valley and Los Angeles.
Showcasing sectors of excellence
Wallonia has recognised strategic sectors (aerospace, pharma and biotech, materials, agri-food and defence) which are its strength on the international stage. In California, this mission will particularly highlight life sciences, digital technology and artificial intelligence, the creative industries, as well as the defence and aerospace sectors, areas in which Walloon companies are already leading partners on a global scale.
The Minister for the Economy, Industry, Digital Affairs, Employment and Training, Pierre-Yves Jeholet, is accompanying this mission: “ The United States remains a strategic partner for Wallonia. With 12.4% of our exports, or €6.8 billion in 2024, this market remains essential for our companies. This mission in California aims to strengthen our collaboration in key sectors and attract job-creating investment, building on the €6.4 billion already invested by American companies in Wallonia, which has created 7,500 jobs. Our ambition is clear: to turn our strengths into concrete projects and lasting value for both our economies. ”
High-level partnerships
The Walloon delegation will formalise numerous strategic agreements and partnerships during this mission, including:
- Centre Spatial de Liège & Caltech: partnership as part of NASA's UVEX mission.
- LASEA (Seraing) & USC: installation of a cutting-edge biomedical laser platform.
- District Cleantech (Greenwin) & Larta Institute: alliance in clean technologies and the energy transition.
- KIKK Festival (Namur) & Infinity Festival (Los Angeles): unique transatlantic partnership in the creative industries.
- Val-Dieu Brewery: new distribution contracts in California.
- Odoo: confirmed expansion into the American market.
- FN Herstal: demonstration of its non-lethal launcher for the LAPD.
- Tonomia: strategic agreements with MiTAC and Kern Solar to deploy its cleantech solutions.
A Walloon showcase in San Francisco and Los Angeles
B2B meetings, sector forums, visits to Google, Stanford, Berkeley, USC, and a whole series of other events will mark this mission.
“ Wallonia comes to California with concrete solutions, recognised innovations and a clear will to build lasting partnerships. Our goal is to show that our region is a land of innovation and a reliable partner for American investors and entrepreneurs.” concludes Pierre-Yves Jeholet.