On Monday, March 9, the United States Ambassador, together with his delegation, made a working visit to Flevoland, focusing on the themes of high-tech, fish processing, and water management. The visit aimed to strengthen existing ties and explore new collaborations between Flevoland and the United States, an important trade partner. Through company visits and meetings, the ambassador gained direct insight into the economic and cultural profile of the region.

The program of the working visit

The delegation was diverse, including the Kings Commissioner, U.S. Ambassador H.E. Mr. J.V. Popolo, Deputy Mayor Maaike Veeningen from Almere, and Horizon Flevoland. During the visit to ASM International, the group was welcomed by Paul Verhagen (CFO), Ghada van Londen (Head Export Control Strategies), and Jorijn van Duijn (Head Policy & Partnerships Europe). Afterwards, the group moved to the provincial house, where the guestbook was signed and a presentation was given during lunch about the cultural and economic profile of Flevoland.

In the afternoon, the delegation went to Urk for a visit to the Vissering pumping station, the Urkersluis together with Dike Chairman Hetty Klavers. The visit continued to Kramers’ Seafood processing. There, the guests received a tour of the company and spoke with the Young Seafood Leaders. For this occasion, American fish was processed so the delegation could taste it.

Finally, the group visited the little church by the sea, where Ambassador Popolo laid a wreath at the fishermens monument in memory of fishermen who lost their lives. Mayor Jaspers Faijer gave a short explanation about the monument and the church.

Why did this visit take place?

The visit of the U.S. Ambassador to Flevoland aimed primarily to strengthen existing ties and explore new collaborations. By visiting several provinces as the new ambassador, Mr. Popolo gets to know the Netherlands better, and economic and cultural opportunities can be discussed mutually. For Flevoland, where the United States is an important trade partner, this day offered ample space to collaborate around three central themes: high-tech, fish processing, and water management. Through company visits and meetings in Almere, Lelystad, and Urk, the ambassador gained direct insight into the profile and potential of the region.

Photographer: Patricia Pietersen