Economic mission to California: surfing on the high-tech waves

From 5 to 10 October 2025, Princess Astrid led an economic mission to California. As the main economic hub in the United States and home to the high-tech and entertainment industries, this state has much to offer Belgian companies and universities, not least when it comes to defence.

The trade relations with the United States may be somewhat tense, but that does not stop Belgium and the United States from maintaining a deep-rooted economic partnership. The numbers speak for themselves. For instance, our transatlantic partner creates 118,600 jobs in Belgium, while our country generates 82,400 jobs across the ocean.

5^th largest export platform

The United States invests 66,5 billion dollars in our country, while little Belgium accounts for no less than 73,5 billion dollars’ worth of investments in the United States, cementing us as the 13^th largest source of foreign investments!

Furthermore, our country exports 27,9 billion dollars in goods, while, in the opposite direction, 34,2 billion dollars in goods flow our way. That is why, when it comes to American companies, Belgium ranks as the 5^th largest export platform globally. It shows that we represent a key gateway to the European market.

Therefore, we must obviously foster economic relations with our transatlantic partner. In 2016, an economic mission already took place in Texas, the American state with the highest export volume to Belgium. New York– number 1 among importing states –followed in 2023, along with Atlanta and Boston.

The world’s 4^th largest economy

This year, a mission took place in California, spread across San Francisco (5-8 October) and Los Angeles (9-10 October). After all, this state at the West Coast of the United States represents the main economic hub. If we consider California as a separate country, in terms of GDP – 4,020 billion dollars – it would rank as the world’s 4^th largest economy, behind the United States, China, and Germany, and just ahead of Japan and India. It represents a gateway to the entire United States and even the Pacific Ocean.

Moreover, the state with its Silicon Valley – near San Francisco – is home to all forms of high-tech that have changed our lives for good and will continue to do so. These include social media, search engines, and artificial intelligence (AI). Furthermore, we all know the Hollywood industry – based in Los Angeles – that has already provided us with countless hours of viewing pleasure with its continuous flow of films.

Amazon, Google, Microsoft

Therefore, it is not surprising that both advanced technologies and entertainment were high on the agenda. Google, Amazon, Nvidia (AI), Microsoft, the Stanford and Berkeley universities …, they were all part of the mission. Amazon even announced it would invest 1 billion euros in Belgian e-commerce to be able to provide same-day parcel delivery.

Google, too, would invest 5 billion euros in the expansion of its existing datacentre in Saint-Ghislain (Hainaut). Because of AI’s growth, there is an increasing demand for cloud services. It would also benefit, among others, Belgian software giant Odoo–that has an important California-based office–and the UZ Leuven, because they need a lot of computing power and data.

At Microsoft, the participants could undergo an interactive experience that focused on AI’s role in society. Moreover, Microsoft also invested over 1 billion dollars in data centres in Belgium. All 3 companies – Amazon, Google, and Microsoft – emphasise that they will ensure maximum environmental and climate performance. Furthermore, a panel discussion was held on the protection of human rights in the era of AI.

Defence

In these turbulent times, defence could not be overlooked. After all, modern warfare has become a very high-tech activity and, in that field, California also has much to offer. For instance, Thales Belgium has developed a partnership with MSI Defense Solutions to be able to place its Belgian 70 mm rockets on mobile MSI platforms. Some contracts relating to drones and counter-drones, and cybersecurity were also signed.

During a seminar, the application of self-driving cars – something San Francisco is already familiar with – in Belgium and Europe was also reflected upon. Not to mention quantum computing, earth observation through satellites, gravitational waves, etc.

Olympic and Paralympic Games

In Los Angeles, the focus was turned on entertainment and sports, although the high-tech industry is also an integral part of this city. As the epicentre of the film and TV industry, this city represents a strategic site for Belgian creative companies.

For instance, Caviar, the company founded in Mechelen, has grown into an international player in cinema, television, advertising, and digital content. Princess Astrid’s visit to its Los Angeles office marked an ideal opportunity to celebrate its 20^th birthday.

Barco, on the other hand, showcased its impressive visual and immersive technology that is used in films, events, and design worldwide. In the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures – the place to be for film art and science –a reception was held to celebrate Belgian excellence in cinema, design, and innovation.

Los Angeles is hosting both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. And that offers opportunities to Belgian companies that are active in sports, technology, and entertainment. The topic was addressed in discussions with the Belgian Olympic & Interfederal Committee. There was also a Belgian equestrian day on the agenda.

59 contracts

In short, as always, the mission consisted of a very wide range of unique meetings and networking opportunities. And we have not even brought up life sciences and biotechnology. A total of 59 contracts were signed.

This economic mission is indelibly printed in our mutual memory. Our consulate-general in Los Angeles will make every effort to ensure that all these cont(r)acts will bear fruit and contribute to our prosperity and well-being.