SACRAMENTO—Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) joined Governor Gavin Newsom this week for a meeting with President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan to discuss continued economic collaboration on trade and investment.
“California has always had a strong partnership with the Republic of Armenia and we look forward to further strengthening our collaboration on trade and investment,” stated Senator Portantino. “As the Chair of the Select Committee on California, Armenia, and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange, I was honored to be included in a meeting with President Khachaturyan and Governor Newsom to discuss the California-Armenia Trade Desk and explore ways to expand our historic ties. In the past, California and the Select Committee has also affirmed their commitment to Artsakh’s sovereignty. On this Shushi Liberation Day, I also want to take a moment to remember the heroic efforts of those who led Artsakh to independence, as we look forward to the days when it will be free again.”
At the request of Senator Portantino, the California State Senate Rules Committee first established the historic Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia, and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange in 2017 to expand business opportunities through trade, economic development, cultural awareness, and education between California, Armenia, and Artsakh. Senator Portantino also helped negotiate the historic Memorandum of Understanding between California and Armenia and joined Governor Newsom in New York for its historic, official signing – formally establishing the California Trade and Service Desk in Armenia.
The California Trade and Services Desk was established to strengthen the economic partnership between Armenian and California, support efforts for mutual economic benefit, and encourage trade and investment by California and Armenia businesses. Yerevan is the first California International Trade and Services Desk to be established by the Newsom administration.
Both California and Armenia benefit from collaboration and cooperation. Armenia has a flourishing high-tech industry, robust arts community, and a digital business corridor that is underutilized. California is at the forefront of these sectors and continues to be a leader in these areas. Tourism is also a place where California would benefit from direct marketing of our modern Golden State, while also highlighting the amazing and vast historical sites and landmarks of Armenia.
California has the largest population of Armenian Americans in the country, with the 25th Senate District having the largest concentration. The continued work of the Senate Select Committee, which was re-established for the 2023-24 Legislative Session, has a direct role in building stronger economic and cultural ties between California, Armenia, and Artsakh.