AmCham Belgium was proud to support and actively participate in the joint economic mission to the West Coast of the United States, organized by the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency. This mission took place under the leadership of HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, in partnership with FPS Foreign Affairs, and is supported by the three trade agencies in Belgium: Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), hub.brussels, and the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency (AWEX).
This important initiative reflected two of our core commitments: strengthening transatlantic business ties and promoting two-way investment between Belgium and the United States. Key sectors included clean tech, defense, high-tech, mobility, aerospace, healthcare and life sciences (bio tech), design and architecture, media, sports, and entertainment.
The mission brought together over 500 business representatives, with many AmCham Belgium member companies participating. AmCham Belgium was there to support these members, amplify their success stories, and promote the Belgian-American business relationship as a model of transatlantic collaboration. We look forward to building on the successes of the mission, alongside our members and partners.
Key Moments for AmCham Belgium and Our Community
The mission kicked off in San Francisco, with a highlight of the first day: the signing ceremony!
Attended by dignitaries such as HRH Princess Astrid, Minister Eléonore Simonet, Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, this signing ceremony saw a historic partnership agreement between California and Belgium. California and Belgium signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen our trade relationship, empower businesses, and foster entrepreneurship and innovation across the Atlantic.
In San Francisco, AmCham Belgium CEO Stéphanie Rutten also participated in an exclusive Power Lunch with California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Pieter Timmermans, CEO of the Federation of Belgian Enterprises (FEB), to discuss ways to deepen economic collaboration.
This lunch was organized by the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB) in collaboration with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and with the support of the Belgian Consulate General. The goal? To bring Belgian business leaders into direct contact with Californian policymakers and to introduce the Belgian delegation to the local business community. During this event, networking and concrete business opportunities were central.
"For Belgian companies, California is a market full of opportunities and a place where innovations that shape the world are created. The FEB attaches particular importance to these Belgian economic missions led by Princess Astrid in order to conquer new markets worldwide and diversify our trade flows. This is particularly important in times of political tension and protectionist tendencies."
Some more exciting announcements and spotlights came from our member community during the mission!
Netalux, a pioneering Belgian brand in advanced laser cleaning technology, signed a strategic agreement with Expandify to support its US expansion, a major step forward in its transatlantic journey! Read more about their Netalux’s transatlantic ambitions here.
“Since our foundation, we’ve aimed to set foot in the US — drawn by its can-do spirit and economic strength. In today’s challenging times, I believe betting on a bold, resilient economy like the US isn’t just smart — it’s vital. So we go full steam ahead.”
Liberius, a boutique business law firm headquartered in Brussels, presented their firm in San Francisco at a hub.brussels hosted event, which saw Minister Eléonore Simonet and HRH Princess Astrid in attendance.
“ This mission was a great success for the 37 Brussels businesses who took part in the mission. Beyond the amazing achievement that constitutes the 7 contracts signed between Brussels and Californian companies, the mission offered every single participant a wealth of new opportunities. And we are eager to create many others for them thanks to our brand new partnerships with the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) . "
Read more here about Liberius and how they support their transatlantic clients.
“For me, the US-Belgium relationship is not just about transactions. It is about shared values of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship. It’s about enabling companies to innovate, create jobs, and strengthen ties across the Atlantic. We see our role as enabling US companies to thrive in Belgium and Europe — and in doing so, strengthening the transatlantic bond. Liberius is proud to play its part in making that relationship thrive.”
Together with BNP Paribas Fortis, the Chamber hosted a compelling event on the state of doing business in the United States. After inspiring remarks from Minister Eléonore Simonet, our CEO Stéphanie Rutten moderated a panel discussion between BNP Paribas Chief Economist James Egelhof and Partner at DGA Albright Stonebridge Group Justin McCarthy. Together, they explored what businesses looking to invest in the United States should anticipate and how to navigate the current trade and regulatory landscape.
You can read DGA Group's #Yes2Belgium feature to learn more about what the transatlantic relationship means for their firm and clients.
"Belgium is not just a strategic location for our European operations—it’s a place where we invest in talent, innovation, and long-term partnerships. Our commitment to Belgium reflects our belief in its vibrant economy, diverse culture, and pivotal role in shaping the future of Europe.
After a behind-the-scenes tour of Amazon’s Research and Development Lab, Country Manager and AmCham Belgium Vice President Eva Faict had an exciting announcement to make: Amazon is investing more than 1 billion euros in Belgium from 2025-2027. Learn more about the significance of this investment, and how it will impact Belgium, by reading Amazon’s blog feature here.
“Our planned investment of more than a billion euros in Belgium will go towards expanding our logistics network, enhancing our delivery capabilities, and strengthening our local infrastructure to better serve Belgian customers.”
In San Francisco, one of our member companies, essencia, participated in Genentech's Life Sciences Seminar. This full day event fostered a rich exchange between the life sciences ecosystems of California and Belgium, highlighting shared strengths and opportunities for deeper collaboration.
On the last day in San Francisco, the business delegation had the opportunity to visit Microsoft for an exciting experience and panel discussion. In light of this visit, Microsoft Belgium and Luxembourg General Manager Marijke Schroos wrote a powerful opinion piece on the collaboration between Belgium and Microsoft to co-create a prosperous digital future. Read her article here.
“The Belgian Economic Mission to the United States reminds us that our digital future is shaped through cooperation across borders. Transatlantic partnerships, based on trust and innovation, are essential to ensure that Europe and Belgium remain at the forefront of the digital age.”
During a second historic signing ceremony in Los Angeles, one of AmCham's newest members, TLS Express signed a strategic agreement with US based Blue Cargo.
“The United States remains the world's leading economic power and a key trading partner for both Belgium and Wallonia. The USA has always been our most important customer outside the European Union. For a Belgian SME, exporting to the United States not only means gaining access to a vast market, but also earning greater credibility. Successfully breaking into the American market is like obtaining a prestigious label — one that subsequently opens the door to many other markets.”
As their time in California came to a close, the delegation had the opportunity to celebrate in style, enjoying a breathtaking view of the Los Angeles skyline.
This memorable event was hosted by KBC.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Mission
The economic mission to the US West Coast was a powerful demonstration of Belgium’s commitment to international trade and innovation, and AmCham Belgium was honored to play an active role.
As we look ahead, AmCham Belgium remains dedicated to building bridges between Belgium and the United States. Our mission is to promote an open and competitive business climate in Belgium, foster transatlantic economic relations, and support our members as they grow, invest, and innovate on both sides of the Atlantic.
Together with our members and partners, we will continue to champion the Belgian-American business relationship as a model for collaboration, innovation, and mutual success.
Belgian Economic Mission to the West Coast of the United States