State of Colorado & Government of Finland Form Partnership to Create Collaborative Economic Opportunities
A new Memorandum of Understanding outlines cooperation in green economy and new technologies
DENVER - Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and and the Government of Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create collaborative opportunities regarding bilateral foreign direct investment, bilateral research and development projects, and company exchanges and expansion opportunities. The MOU specifies development and commercial sectors on sustainable and advanced technologies, including but not limited to computing technologies, including quantum tech, green economy advancements and aerospace technology and applications.
“Colorado’s economy is roaring back, creating jobs and creating new partnerships at home and abroad so we are pleased to partner with the Government of Finland, a country that shares our values of innovation, collaboration and creating a better future for generations to come,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis today welcomed Finland’s Ambassador to the U.S., Mikko Hautala, and the Finnish business and research delegation at the Capitol building in Denver. During their three-day visit to Colorado, the Finnish delegation will meet with local businesses and research institutions, including the University of Colorado, Solid Power, ColdQuanta and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The group will visit the headquarters of a leading Finnish weather technology company Vaisala, established in Louisville. CU Boulder’s CUBit Quantum Initiative will host a roundtable discussion for Coloradan and Finnish technology companies and researchers. The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation will host a reception for Coloradan and Finnish companies, researchers, and state and local government officials.
“The relationship Colorado has cultivated with Finland will create mutually beneficial opportunities in aerospace, computing technologies, climate resilience and more,” said Patrick Meyers, executive director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
“I don’t think there are many places on Earth where just five million people have so much going on with the aerospace industry, high-performance computing and green solutions, said Finland’s Ambassador to the U.S., Mikko Hautala. “Add to that our common challenges of building resilient communities, tackling climate change and generating green jobs, I think it is long overdue Colorado and Finland bring their partnership to the next level.”
Given the large forest coverage in both Colorado and Finland, climate resilience of communities and mitigation of wildfire risks also are areas of strong common interest. In addition, both regions have deep expertise in cold-weather technologies.
The MOU went into effect today and will remain in effect for a period of five years and can be renewed per the agreement of both parties. To read the MOU in its entirety, please visit the website(Link to another website.).
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About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Cannabis Business Office; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; Employee Ownership Office; and Rural Opportunity Office. Learn more at oedit.colorado.gov.