On this page you will find the latest press releases and statements from the Office of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
11/18/2021 12:24:07 PM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz met with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö to celebrate the economic, educational, and cultural ties between Minnesota and Finland and to discuss shared objectives and opportunities for future collaboration, including working together to address climate change.
In October, Governor Walz met with Finnish Minister Ville Skinnari to sign a Letter of Understanding (LOU) between Minnesota and Finland ahead of the Governor’s trade mission. The formal agreement focuses on clean energy, sustainable bioeconomy, and digital economy. The University of Minnesota will collaborate with Finland as an initial stage of engagement under the LOU.
“Finland and Minnesota share many priorities, from a commitment to supporting innovation to improve health, to a focus on environmental sustainability,” said Governor Walz. “I had a productive conversation with President Niinistö, and I’m honored that we had the opportunity to meet. I look forward to our continued partnership to advance our shared goals.”
Finland was Minnesota’s 50th largest market for exports in 2020, with exports valued at $19 million. Electrical equipment, machinery, and vehicles were Minnesota’s top exports to Finland last year. Additionally, Finland and Minnesota each have innovative health care sectors that boast strong exports. Health technology is the fastest growing high-tech export sector in Finland, rising to nearly $2.7 billion in 2018, up fivefold compared to 20 years ago.
Expanding Minnesota exports to Finland could serve as a gateway to expanding other Minnesota export markets in the Nordic Region. Finland offers a market of highly-educated business owners and consumers with high purchasing power. In addition to being one of the top countries in the world in sustainability and innovation, Finland also has a renowned quality of life—much like Minnesota, which ranks 3rd in quality of life among all U.S. states, according to World Population Review .
Minnesota is home to U.S. operations of several Finnish companies, including Uponor, which received state funding from the Department of Employment and Economic Development for expansions at two of its Minnesota locations. In 2016-2017, Uponor received $900,000 from the Minnesota Investment Fund and $840,000 from the Job Creation Fund toward an $18 million expansion of its facility in Apple Valley, its North American headquarters. Uponor announced its upcoming plans to invest $5 million to further expand its Hutchinson facility and another $5 million to further expand its Lakeville distribution center. All of Uponor’s North American manufacturing operations are located in Minnesota.
Governor Walz is leading the State of Minnesota’s week-long trade mission to U.K. and Finland from November 13-19, with stops in the major business centers of London and Helsinki. The mission is focused on increasing state exports; promoting Minnesota as a premier destination for business investment; developing new business and educational opportunities; and strengthening existing ties.
The trade mission also serves to promote Minnesota’s recently-launched Build What Matters campaign, which showcases the compelling reasons for doing business in our state. Find out more at joinusmn.com .
