‘Thuringia’s ambassadors’ to the states of the United States and the provinces of Canada were keen to learn more about how the region has progressed economically since 1989. “Thanks to its business connections with the US and Canada, Thuringia has become a leader amongst the states of the former East Germany,” explained Marion Walsmann, Minister of European Affairs for Thuringia.
More than 400 Thuringian companies have links with the US, and American companies account for the largest proportion of foreign investment in the region. The State Development Corporation of Thuringia (LEG) took the visitors to the aircraft company N3 Engine Overhaul Services, and the Fraunhofer Institute of Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, IOF, in Jena, one of Thuringia’s pioneering enterprises and research institutes. Lunch with Minister-President Christine Lieberknecht in Jena was another opportunity to strengthen knowledge about the assets of Thuringia as a business location. (kö)
