ICYMI: Mayor Bass Welcomes Historic Belgian Economic Mission to Los Angeles Ahead of Major Events

LOS ANGELES, Oct 12 – Mayor Karen Bass and city officials this week welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium and a delegation of more than 500 distinguished business and civic leaders to Los Angeles – the third economic mission in California. The high-level bilateral meeting reinforced Los Angeles’ unwavering commitment to deepening global economic, sports, and cultural partnerships that drive job creation, economic growth, and social inclusion. The engagement highlights the city’s role as an international gateway for trade, innovation, investment, and tourism, and reflects the global excitement for coming major events that will be hosted in Los Angeles, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

After the meeting, Mayor Bass provided closing remarks at the Smart and Resilient Cities conference, emphasizing Los Angeles’ leadership in creating a more connected, sustainable, and equitable city. The event explored how collaboration between Belgium and Los Angeles can accelerate progress toward smarter infrastructure, more climate resilience, and inclusive urban growth.

“Los Angeles is proud to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid and the impressive Belgian delegation and to continue building strong economic, sports, and cultural connections,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Los Angeles is open for business and ready to partner with Belgium’s best.”

“I was impressed by the very personalized and thoughtful welcome of Mayor Bass and her team,” said H.R.H. Princess Astrid of Belgium. “We felt an enthusiastic willingness to cooperate with Belgian business and public authorities in all economic projects that are being prepared by the city, in particular in the context of the upcoming international sporting events hosted by Los Angeles”

The Belgian Economic Mission to California (October 4-12, 2025) was organized in collaboration with Belgian federal and regional authorities. Led by H.R.H. Princess Astrid of Belgium, the mission brought together more than 500 participants for more than 70 activities in San Francisco and Los Angeles, including B2B meetings, site visits, academic exchanges, and signing ceremonies. The mission also emphasized Los Angeles’ role as a global hub for innovation, trade, and cultural exchange, as the city prepares to host major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Through such partnerships, Los Angeles continues to create opportunities for local businesses, attract international investment, and reinforce L.A. as a premier destination for commerce and tourism.

Los Angeles – Belgium Cooperation
Los Angeles serves as the strategic home base for Belgium’s economic presence in the United States. “Belwest,” the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce for the Western United States, opened its headquarters in L.A. in 2022. The Flanders Investment and Trade Office also has its West Coast offices in Los Angeles.
Nearly one third of all Belgian enterprise jobs in California are in Los Angeles County. Within the last decade, there have been over 60 Belgian projects in the Los Angeles region primarily in event technology, film and entertainment, video gaming, life sciences, and clean tech.
The Ports of LA and Antwerp-Bruges signed an MOU on October 10th, to continue their collaboration on advancing maritime sustainability and innovation. Both actively participate in the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the World Ports Climate Action Program to cut emissions and promote shore power.
Mayor Bass’ Work to Build a Healthier, More Sustainable Los Angeles
Since taking office, Mayor Bass has advanced Los Angeles’ ambitious climate and sustainability goals through clean energy, water resilience, and emissions reduction initiatives. Key achievements include:
Clean Energy & Solar: Completion of the Eland Solar-plus-Storage Center, providing enough power for over 266,000 households and helping the city reach 64% clean energy. The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) supports low-income residents installing solar and battery systems.
Water Sustainability: Implementation of the Pure Water Los Angeles Master Plan, Advanced Water Purification projects at Hyperion, and construction of the Donald C. Tillman facility, creating a sustainable, locally sourced water supply.
Zero Emissions & EVs: Installation of nearly 21,000 new EV chargers, deployment of over 160 electric transit buses, 500 zero-emission school buses for LA28, and 560 zero-emission trucks at the San Pedro Bay Ports. Rebates support residential and commercial EV adoption.
Climate Resiliency & Community Programs: HOME LA Pilot Program for wildfire-impacted homes, air conditioning rebates for vulnerable residents, and citywide tree planting to increase shade and reduce heat in underserved areas.
Waste Reduction & Port Initiatives: Expanded food scrap recycling to over 775,000 homes and businesses, and $462 million in grants to support zero-emissions operations and workforce programs at the Port of LA.