Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka to meet Governor of the State of Washington Jay Inslee

Jay Inslee, Governor of the State of Washington in the United States, is visiting Finland with his delegation from 13 to 16 September 2022. Governor Inslee is making a return visit following the visit of Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka to Washington state in November 2021.

Governor Inslee's visit is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the State of Washington. Governor Inslee will meet Minister Harakka, who signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Finland.

"Now is the time to take forward cooperation with US states that are important to Finland, such as Washington. State-level partnering offers Finnish companies opportunities in fields such as new technologies, smart ports, transport electrification and network solutions. I look forward to the presentation of Finnish expertise to the Governor and his delegation," says Minister Harakka.

The visit seeks to deepen industrial and research cooperation and promote trade between Finland and Washington state. The focus will be on opportunities for partnerships in green transition, high technology, network solutions, the energy sector, the built environment, manufacturing industry, and maritime and port technology. The Governor's programme includes several high-level meetings, and his delegation will visit leading Finnish companies and research institutes.

"Ever since the familiar terrain of the Pacific Northwest drew countless immigrants from the Nordic countries over a century ago, our regions have enjoyed strong economic and cultural ties that persist to this day. We're innovating together to find the next great advances in technology, science, and fighting climate change," said Governor Jay Inslee before his visit.

Finnish port intelligence to alleviate problems in US supply chains

Marine and port technology is one of the areas of cooperation between Finland and Washington state. Finland has a lot to offer to ports, inland logistics and green, electrified maritime transport in the US. Container ports on the United States west coast are seeking solutions to congestion and logistics problems. In the coming years, the US will invest a historically large amount of state aid, USD 17 billion, in the repairs of ports and waterways. Ports are particularly interested in network technology, information systems, environmental technology, closer monitoring and anticipation of port operations, energy efficiency and cranes.

Long-term cooperation between Finland and Washington state

The cooperation between Finland and Washington state will continue after the Governor's visit. Team Finland will organise a visit to Washington state in October 2022, focusing on forest bioeconomy, forest management and wood construction.

Inquiries:

Ministry of Transport and Communications: Noora Saarinen, Senior Specialist, [email protected], tel. +358 50 562 7044

Business Finland: Ulla Lainio, [email protected], tel. +1 332 223 0027 / +358 40 343 3357

Embassy of Finland in Washington: Suvi Järvelä-Hagström, [email protected], tel. +1 202 285 6430

Office of Governor Jay Inslee: Mike Faulk, Deputy Communications Director/Press Secretary, [email protected], tel. +1 360 790 2920