Foreign trade – Erfurt – Business delegation from Thuringia travels to the United States – Economy

Erfurt (dpa/s) – Thuringia wants to deepen economic ties with the United States of America, one of its most important trading partners. The Ministry of Economic Affairs said that a delegation of 30 people from the University of Thuringia left for the United States on Sunday. The stops on the trip, which will continue through next Saturday, are San Francisco, Sacramento and Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas. According to the information, the program includes visits to companies and universities, discussions with investors, and networking events.

State Secretary for Economic Affairs Katja Buehler sees similar concerns in many challenges such as the energy crisis, environmental transition, supply bottlenecks and the supply of skilled workers. “It is very important for us to see how the economic power of the United States strategically addresses these problems, but also what joint projects are possible in these areas.” In addition, from Bühler’s point of view, negotiations on a free trade agreement between Europe and the United States should be resumed.

According to export statistics, Thuringia’s trade with the United States is about two billion euros. Currently, more than 300 Thuringian companies are exporting to the USA, and 36 companies own shares in US companies. The United States is also one of the most important investors in Thuringia – according to information, 66 American companies currently own shares in Thuringian companies. According to the information, American companies have invested more than 2.5 billion euros in Bavaria since 1990 and created about 12,000 jobs.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 230129-99-399975/2