Governor Kitzhaber to lead business development mission to the Netherlands and Germany

Press Release

Governor Kitzhaber will depart Portland on Sunday, March 3 to join a public-private delegation of business development leaders to promote Oregon products and attract investment to the state from the Netherlands and Germany.

The delegation will visit Amsterdam and Berlin on the eight day mission March 2 to March 9.

"The European Union provides enormous growth potential for Oregon companies, as well as opportunities to attract new investment in our state," said Governor Kitzhaber. "This trip is about promoting Oregon as a business and tourist destination, and expanding the strong relationships we already have with many European companies."

The Governor will be promoting Oregon's manufacturing prowess and its growing reputation as a leader in sustainable business practices, as well as celebrating the fifth anniversary of the critical KLM-Delta direct flight link between Portland and Amsterdam. In addition, the Governor will promote Oregon tourism by visiting the ITB Berlin/International Tourism Fair and travel trade show, and conduct discussions with German leaders on topics such as energy policy and green building.

In 2012, Oregon companies exported $433.2 million worth of Oregon products to Germany, the state's 9th largest trading partner, and $197.8 million worth to the Netherlands. Total export trade to the nations of the European Union by Oregon totaled $1.84 billion in 2012. The largest industry sectors for Oregon exports to the EU were computer and electronic products, machinery, transportation equipment, other miscellaneous manufactured commodities and chemicals.

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