[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced he will lead a trade mission to the Netherlands and Ireland, November 16-22, 2024, with stops in the countries' major business centers of Amsterdam and Dublin. The mission will focus on growing Minnesota's exports of goods and services, showcasing the state as a top destination for business investment, developing new partnership opportunities, and strengthening existing ties. This will be the first trade mission led by a Minnesota Governor to these two countries.

Governor Walz will lead a delegation comprised of representatives from approximately 35 businesses and organizations within Minnesota's medical technology, food and agriculture, environmental technology, and higher education sectors.

"Trade missions provide an opportunity to strengthen international economic ties and lead to direct investment in Minnesota. I am thrilled to lead a delegation to the Netherlands and Ireland to further strengthen the state's trade and investment relationships with these important international markets," said Governor Walz. "Both countries offer excellent opportunities for Minnesota companies to grow their business in Europe, as well as create new partnerships for the state."

"Minnesota companies have a global marketplace, and DEED is committed to helping them find new customers and investment from around the world," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Visiting Ireland and the Netherlands will help us establish new ties, strengthen existing relationships and benefit Minnesota companies, workers and the state's economy."

"As the fourth largest agriculture exporting state, it's important we support Minnesota farmers as they feed and fuel the world by fostering global market development," said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. "We look forward to building new relationships in Ireland and the Netherlands as we demonstrate the high-quality crops and livestock we grow and raise here at home."

The Minnesota Trade Office at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is organizing the trade mission and accepting applications to join the delegation through August 30, 2024.

Governor Walz, DEED Commissioner Varilek, Agriculture Commissioner Petersen, and Minnesota Trade Office leaders will facilitate a robust itinerary for the delegation as they meet with local elected leaders and Dutch and Irish companies looking to buy goods from North America. Delegation participants will also receive an extensive business agenda based on their industry sector, including market briefings, site visits, and networking events with business and government leaders.

The Netherlands ($701 million in Minnesota exports in 2023) and Ireland ($688 million) rank seventh and eighth, respectively, among Minnesota export markets. The Netherlands occupies a strategic commercial location and is a key center within the global business network, with advanced infrastructure geared toward the transportation of goods, people, and data. Ireland is considered by many U.S. companies to be a natural location for distribution throughout the European Union. In addition to its advantage of sharing a common language, access to well-connected business partners is relatively easy in the country's pro-business and common law environment.