The Thuringian Foreign Trade Day – the annual flagship event of the local export industry – was supposed to inspire confidence this year, at a time when the framework conditions for German foreign trade appear anything but easy. And it succeeded.
Besides the good weather, it was of course the Thuringian companies that radiated a certain optimism despite the very challenging times. The motto of the event was therefore not to complain, but to identify opportunities for successful action. However, politics also has a duty to actively address the less favorable framework conditions for German foreign trade, emphasized State Secretary for Economic Affairs Mario Suckert in his speech, referring to both the state and federal levels.
Former Thuringian speed skater Franziska Schenk highlighted parallels between sport and the export industry in her keynote speech – especially in difficult times, it is important to motivate oneself and see change as an opportunity. The advisory meetings with the 21 country experts – including the six Thuringian foreign representatives – who provided practical tips for international business were also in particularly high demand this year. Almost all meeting slots were fully booked.
An exhibition about 17 extraordinary Thuringian success stories with international impact was another highlight – from Thuringian wastewater technology in all polar stations, to Thuringian beauty salons in Vietnam, Thuringian playgrounds in Japan, to unique top solutions for agriculture, chip production, or use in space – Thuringia showed what it can do and proved that internationalization is an important part of entrepreneurial success – Today. Tomorrow. Together.
