A Zeeland delegation travels to the United States and Canada from September 9 to 14. Among those present are Zeeland political officials, board members of the Roosevelt Foundation, and executives from the business sector in the port area. The officials will visit companies, knowledge institutions, and international organizations. The highlight is the presentation of the prestigious Four Freedoms Awards in New York.
We want to position Zeeland internationally as a region where economy, sustainability and democratic values come together. The Four Freedoms, once articulated by Franklin D. Roosevelt, are more relevant today than ever.”
Commissioner of the King Hugo de Jonge
Visit to Dow, Ontario Power Generation and Toronto Ontario Tech University
The trade mission starts in Detroit with a visit to Dows headquarters in Midland. Dow is an important employer in Zeeland. The company plays a role in the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands. The delegation will have a strategic discussion about the energy policy of the Netherlands, Europe, and America, and further strengthen the relationship.
Next, the delegation will visit Ontario Tech University in Toronto for inspiration around nuclear innovation and talent development. Zeeland has a tight labor market and needs more Zeelanders. Therefore, Zeeland can seize opportunities, for example, by developing a nuclear knowledge cluster like Ontario Tech. This can attract more talent to the region. A visit to Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is planned. This focuses mainly on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and collaboration for the energy transition . Because Zeeland is a preferred location for possibly two new nuclear power plants, this is also very relevant.
“For Zeeland, international partnerships are crucial. At Dow and OPG, it’s about the future of our industry and energy supply. With this mission, we are establishing connections that contribute to employment, innovation, and sustainability in Zeeland.”
Deputy Jo-Annes de Bat
Meeting with McCain
In addition to developments in the field of energy transition, Zeeland is known as an arable farming province. At McCain, firmly established in Zeeland since 1973, the delegation will discuss how sustainable local food chains contribute to both global food security and Zeelands position as a leading food region.
Zeeland is the largest arable farming province in the Netherlands. Companies like McCain are of great importance for agriculture and food security. Locally and internationally. It’s great to now have discussions with the headquarters about global and our local challenges and solutions.
Deputy Arno Vael
Presentation of the Four Freedoms Awards
After these visits, the delegation travels to New York. There, they will participate in various activities surrounding the Four Freedoms Awards, culminating in the presentation. This year, the awards will be presented to the Ford Foundation, Teen Vogue, Dr. Jacqui Lewis, chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen, and the Center for Victims of Torture. A meeting with the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the UN is also scheduled.