On this page you will find the latest press releases and statements from the Office of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
11/20/2021 12:09:43 PM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Walz has returned from a weeklong trade mission to the United Kingdom and Finland focused on increasing state exports, promoting Minnesota as a premier destination for business investment, developing new business opportunities, and strengthening existing ties. Governor Walz lead a delegation comprised of representatives from approximately 50 businesses and organizations within Minnesota’s medical technology, food and agriculture, environmental technology, and educational sectors.
“We are returning home from a productive trade mission where we shared our message with our partners in Europe: Minnesota is an outstanding place to do business and increase trade,” said Governor Walz. “The business leaders on the mission shared their knowledge and experiences of how Minnesota has helped their businesses succeed and reach global markets.”
“Governor Walz and our delegation were met with warmth and excitement by businesses and leaders throughout the trade mission,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove. “There’s no substitute for bringing the Minnesota message on the road to show the world this is a state where we build what matters.”
“This mission provided Minnesota’s leading food and agriculture companies the opportunity to showcase our high-quality exports and why they’re a good investment,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen our trade relationships with the U.K. and Finland.”
The mission had four tracks of concentration: MedTech and Health, Environmental Technologies, Agriculture and Food, and Higher Education. The trade mission started with Governor Walz laying a wreath to honor 27 fallen Minnesota sailors and soldiers who are buried in Brookwood American Cemetery. Stops on the tour included Governor Walz meeting with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and many other state officials. They also visited with executives from Mayo Clinic Healthcare, and Cambridge University’s Health Campus in the United Kingdom, as well as UPM , Uponor, and Neste Global in Finland. In both locations, the Minnesota Trade Office hosted events with companies and state officials focused on networking and increasing our partnership and trade with both the United Kingdom and Finland.
The mission focused on bringing the state’s business opportunities to the world and sharing why Minnesota is an exceptional place to start, build, or grow a business. Building off the recent launch of Minnesota’s “ Build What Matters ” campaign, the mission pitched Minnesota as the problem-solving capital of the United States. Minnesota has long been a state that builds businesses that make global transformations in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, clean energy, and agriculture.
Both locations – the United Kingdom and Finland – are important trade partners for Minnesota. The United Kingdom was the state’s 8th largest export market in 2020. More than 70 U.K.-based companies operate at more than 180 business locations in Minnesota, and more than 60 Minnesota companies operate at about 150 business locations in the U.K. Total trade between Minnesota and Finland was valued at $58 million in goods in 2020 – where Minnesota imported $39 million from Finland and exported $19 million to Finland. Additionally, in October, Minnesota entered into a Letter of Understanding with Finland focused on clean energy, sustainable bioeconomy and the digital economy.
The delegation that joined Governor Walz included First Lady Gwen Walz, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, and representatives from the Minnesota Trade Office. The state delegation was also joined by business organizations and leaders from across Minnesota, including:
