Finland to open a Consulate General in Houston

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is continuing to strengthen the network of Finnish missions abroad by opening a third Consulate General in the United States. The new Consulate General will be located in Houston, Texas.

Finland currently has three foreign missions in the United States: the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., and Consulates General in New York on the East Coast and Los Angeles on the West Coast. The Consulate General in Houston is scheduled to start its operations in 2025.

The operations of the Foreign Service rely on a comprehensive network of diplomatic and consular missions abroad. In accordance with the Government Programme, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is expanding and strengthening Finland’s presence in the United States, a country of strategic importance to Finland, by establishing a Consulate General in the southern part of the country, in Houston.

“The relationship between Finland and the United States is very close at both the political and commercial levels, and the transatlantic link is stronger than ever. Economy and security form an integrated whole. That is why it is important to invest in robust alliances in the field of trade and investment as well. Opening a Consulate General in Texas serves this purpose very well and it will strengthen the operating conditions of Finnish companies in the U.S. market,” says Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

“The United States has become one of Finland’s most important trading partners and is a significant source of investment. Texas and its neighbouring states have tremendous potential with regard to Finland’s commercial interests,” says Ville Tavio, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development.

With a population of 31 million, Texas is one of the world’s most significant economic regions. The state’s GDP ranks among the top 10 globally. The state’s key economic sectors include pharmaceuticals, technology and logistics.

With over two million inhabitants, Houston is the most populous city in Texas. The city is an important health technology hub, a significant energy capital and a key centre for space technology. In addition to fossil energy, Houston has a focus on renewable energy sources such as hydrogen power. Houston is also an important logistics hub. The city is home to the largest port in the United States. Houston has approximately 40 Consulates General representing other countries.

The Finnish Consulate General to be established in Houston will support Finnish companies in various stages of market access.  The services provided by the mission will also support the networking of Finnish enterprises by opening doors to key stakeholders, such as local companies, public authorities and communities. The Consulate General will also help maintain Finland’s country image and simultaneously strengthen the reputation of Finnish companies as reliable and innovative operators. The mission’s duties will also include consular and immigration services.