Mr. Stütz, LEG, together with the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Association of Thuringian Chambers of Industry and Commerce, is organizing the 17th Thuringian Foreign Trade Day (AWT) on March 19th in Ilmenau. This year's motto is: "Thuringia in the World – Today. Tomorrow. Together." What can participants from business and academia look forward to?
Our AWT (Thuringian Foreign Trade Conference) is the leading annual event for Thuringian foreign trade and the internationalization of the Free State's economy. It is the largest platform for entrepreneurs and researchers to obtain comprehensive information on these topics and gain new insights for successful international business. Above all, it offers numerous Contact opportunities. Colette Boos-John, our new Minister of Economic Affairs, is participating in this event in her new role, the first major economic development event that the Ministry is organizing with partners during the new legislative period. Participants will also have the opportunity to Contact with our six international representatives for China, India, Israel, Southern Africa, Vietnam, and Central Asia. Furthermore, 15 country and market experts from countries such as Brazil, Malaysia, Morocco, and Serbia will be available for discussions.
The AWT therefore offers excellent opportunities for diverse exchange…
Yes, that's precisely why the word "Together" is part of our guiding principle this year. I find it incredibly important: For success in foreign markets and for successful internationalization, all stakeholders should network even more effectively, talk to each other, exchange experiences, learn from one another, and encourage each other to drive international business forward purposefully, even in turbulent times – and we certainly are! And to inspire this courage, we'll be showcasing numerous examples at the AWT of how entrepreneurs can benefit from international markets and further expand their activities worldwide.
This is what the motto "Thuringia in the world" stands for – meaning that the Free State can already show a lot in terms of internationalization, which should motivate entrepreneurs to continue this success story.
Exactly – it's also about motivating a strong expansion of international business. That's why we've invited Franziska Schenk, a former world-class speed skater. She will give a "motivational boost" and share her perspective on how to see challenges as opportunities and act courageously, especially in turbulent times. Franziska Schenk will also discuss a future vision for Thuringia with Minister Boos-John in an informal "fireside chat." Thinking ahead will also be the focus of a program segment featuring four entrepreneurs who will present their personal success stories through video and short presentations, followed by a discussion.
These four represent only a small selection from the accompanying exhibition featuring Thuringian success stories…
The exhibition brings together a multitude of examples from Thuringia demonstrating how international business can succeed. It shows that there are no limits to the innovative power of our companies – from SPACEOPTICS GmbH with its high-precision metal optics and mirror systems in space, to MARTIN Membrane Systems AG, which has built wastewater treatment plants at all polar stations worldwide, to MACON Meerescosmetic Produktions- und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, which operates beauty salons in Vietnam. All this and much more can be discovered at the AWT, and all participants will be available for discussions.
It is truly encouraging to see how strongly Thuringian entrepreneurs are already represented in international business – and courage is certainly needed at the moment, considering the global turbulence…
The challenges we face are truly significant, which is why we've included a program segment dedicated to "broadening horizons," where current geopolitical developments will be discussed and contextualized. This will include new perspectives on the USA, China, and other markets. With the AWT, we offer a comprehensive platform for exchange and information – from instructive insights into individual business strategies to a broader view of geopolitics and the global economy. Thematically, the conference covers almost all relevant areas for entrepreneurial activity – internationalization strategies, but also, for example, issues related to attracting skilled workers, the LEG's business development services, and support for startups seeking international expansion. The advantage here is that we at LEG, which includes the "Thuringia International" team, can cover all these areas with our diverse expertise. For instance, our investment division, which provides full-service support to investors, as well as our Thuringian Agency for Skilled Worker Recruitment (ThAFF) and our German Professional School (GPS), are also involved in the AWT.
