California

California and Finland share close economic and commercial ties. They cooperate in research and a wide range of technologies, incl. clean technology, aerospace and defense innovation, and more.

Palm trees and the skyline of Los Angeles during sunset.
Photo: Cedric Letsch / Unsplash

The partnership spans across various sectors and supports exchange of knowledge, strengthens innovation, promotes mutually beneficial trade relations, and encourages partnerships on various levels.

Key sectors of cooperation include:

  • Clean technology and sustainability
  • Aerospace and defense innovation
  • Health and life sciences
  • New and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum, and cybersecurity
  • Academic and research cooperation
  • Sustainable forest bioeconomy, including advanced wood products, circular biomaterials, biomass utilization, and bioenergy

The Republic of Finland and the State of California signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the on-going close cooperation. The MoU was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen on September 23, 2026.

Read the full MoU

Finland has also maintained a long-standing diplomatic presence in California through its Consulate General in Los Angeles.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Maria Lieto
Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles
maria.lieto@gov.fi