New foreign office in Chicago supports Thuringian exporters in US business

Since October, companies have been benefiting from the Thuringian foreign office in the most important export market, the USA. In this article, we would like to introduce this foreign representation to you in more detail.

It was during the major delegation trip to the East Coast of the USA in May of this year that Minister President Mario Voigt publicly announced the establishment of a Thuringian foreign representation. In October, the contract was awarded to LotusFDI in Chicago – a consulting firm specializing in international investment promotion and market entry strategies. With over fifteen years of experience in transatlantic business development, Daniel Feldkamp, as Vice President, is responsible for export promotion here.

In the following short interview, we introduce Daniel Feldkamp to you:

Mr. Feldkamp, welcome to the LEG team. Could you please briefly introduce yourself and your office to our readers?

Gladly. My name is Daniel Feldkamp, and together with Shannon Lynch, I lead the new Thuringian foreign office in Chicago, supporting companies from the Free State in accessing the US market. With LotusFDI, we are present in both the USA and Europe, combining transatlantic market expertise with a clear focus on industry and technology.

What specific services can you offer to support Thuringian exporters in their US business?

We offer practical support from market analysis through the identification of suitable customers and partners to B2B programs and soft-landing solutions. The goal is to guide Thuringian companies into the US market in a structured, fast, and targeted manner.

Despite challenging conditions: Which industries or trends currently offer good opportunities for Thuringian exporters?

Aerospace and Air Mobility, Pharma and Biotech, Advanced Manufacturing, Automation, as well as Research and Development continue to be particularly dynamic. In these areas, US companies are actively seeking reliable European technology partners – a clear advantage for Thuringian providers.

Thank you very much, Mr. Feldkamp.

The new foreign office is part of a wide range of measures: Thuringian business delegations regularly visit the United States as part of politically supported delegation trips or company trips. A company trip for 2026 is currently being considered and is being concretized in the planning process. For April of next year, a Thuringian joint stand at the SPIE Defense + Security trade fair is also being planned for the first time.

Last year, a Thuringian Innovation Camp was co-organized in San Francisco, which was evaluated at the recent meeting of the Transatlantic Circle Thuringia (TACT). At this networking meeting, a live connection with Daniel Feldkamp was also organized, who presented the company LotusFDI and its services. The upcoming TACT will take place in February/March 2026 at Amazon in Gera.

By the way: Daniel Feldkamp will attend the upcoming Thuringian Foreign Trade Day (AWT) in Jena on March 24, 2026 and will be available for consultation meetings. Registration for the AWT is expected to be possible via our website from the beginning of next year.