California International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee Meeting Recap

California International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee Meeting Recap

For Immediate Release
Thursday, November 21, 2024  
Contact: [email protected], (916) 445-8994

SACRAMENTO - Last week, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis convened California's International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee to discuss California's recent international engagements and the state's international affairs and trade priorities for the upcoming year.

"California is not just a participant on the world stage; we're a leader. As Chair of California's International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee, I'm proud to lead these critical conversations that unite our state's agencies in a cohesive, forward-looking international strategy."

"Our work has never been more important as we look toward the next four years. As our state continues to engage with world leaders and strengthen diplomatic ties, we remain steadfast in our commitment to leading the way towards a green, sustainable, and socially just future."

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis

During the meeting, representatives of the California Environmental Protection Agency, California State Transportation Agency, California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, Visit California, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) provided summaries of their international engagements over the past year. They highlighted ongoing activities, including efforts to create jobs and markets for California companies and products, promote increased tourism spending in the state, and enhance disaster preparedness. Additionally, they emphasized their commitment to developing new, green, and sustainable technologies to build a cleaner, healthier, and more socially just world for all.

CALIFORNIA'S ECONOMIC LEADERSHIP:

As the world's 5th largest economy, California continues to solidify its position as a global economic powerhouse. The state leads the country across a wide range of sectors:

• Entrepreneurship: Ranks #1 in the U.S. for new business formation
• Innovation and Technology: Leads in patent production and is home to the nation's largest number of tech business establishments
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Attracts more FDI than any other state
• Key Industries: Ranks #1 in manufacturing, entertainment, agriculture, and semiconductor jobs
• Venture Capital: Top destination for venture capital funding in the U.S., drawing nearly 50% of all VC investment nationwide from January through July 2023
• Consumer Market: Plays a critical role in shaping national and global commerce as the largest consumer market in the U.S.

These unparalleled achievements reflect the strength of California's dynamic and innovative economy, which continues to attract global investment, drive job growth, and set benchmarks not only for the rest of the nation but also as a competitive force on the world stage.

2024 RECAP:

List of significant international engagements Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis participated in for 2024:

• Welcomed Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden to California to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and the inauguration of a new Swedish Consulate General in San Francisco.
• Hosted Crown Prince Haakon of Norway during his visit to California.
• Welcomed Governor Kim of Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, to Sacramento.
• Hosted Premier Malinauskas of South Australia for the signing of a new Memorandum of Cooperation focused on climate cooperation.
• Engaged with Josep Borrell, European Union Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
• Held meetings with Ambassadors to the United States from Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Japan, and Iceland.
• Represented by the Office of Lieutenant Governor: In 2024, the Lieutenant Governor's staff members represented her at over 60 international relations events and engagements. These included meetings with visiting diplomatic and trade delegations, attendance at national day celebrations, foreign diplomatic and consular corps gatherings, and international-themed events hosted by local economic and development agencies.

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR:

As Governor Newsom's Representative for International Affairs and Trade Development, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis has led the advancement of California's position as a respected and significant player in subnational international relations. A former United States Ambassador, she has consistently championed California's interests and values on the global stage.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS & TRADE DEVELOPMENT INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE:

Governor Gavin Newsom issued executive order N-08-19 on February 28, 2019, establishing Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis as the Governor's Representative for International Affairs and Trade Development and creating the International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee.

Committee members include:

• Dee Dee Myers, Director, GO-Biz
• Toks Omishakin, Secretary, California State Transportation Agency
• Wade Crowfoot, Secretary, California Natural Resources Agency
• Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture
• Yana Garcia, Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency
• Liane Randolph, Chair, California Air Resources Board
• Caroline Beteta, CEO, Visit California
• David Hochschild, Chair, California Energy Commission
• Nancy Ward, Director, Governor's Office of Emergency Services
• Samuel Assefa, Director, Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation

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