Steve Riedel, Vice President of German American Chamber of Commerce California, joined forces with other representatives Saxony to help promote Leipzig’s unique characteristics and showcase its vast opportunities.
With a “Memorandum of Understanding” between the two cities Memphis, Tennessee and Leipzig, Germany, a 21 person delegation from the trade fair city concluded its trip to Tennessee. The main goal was to exchange information and growth to the regions, especially in the areas of small and intermediary businesses.
In both cities, the airport plays an important role in economic development with its multi-modal hub functions as well as their similar logistic industry. As a result, a natural perspective for mutual cooperation can exist, according to the Memorandum of Understanding. The objective of the newly formed partnership is to promote cooperation in areas of trade, science and technology, culture, sports and urban development. In particular the focus lies on the process optimization in logistics, human resources, and internationalization.
“We are very pleased with the results of the business travel; an important partnership has been established and numerous talks have been held with business developers, decision makers and opinion leaders from diverse sectors – from the airport logistic hub to the First Tennessee Bank, biotechnology and the medical sector. Overall, it was a valuable exchange of experience from both partners. Now it’s up to us to fulfill this cooperation with all means”, said Michael Czupalla, the head of delegation and District Administrator of the Northern Saxony.
Lutz Thielemann, CEO of the Wirtschaftsförderung Region Leipzig GmbH (WRL),adds: “Memphis and Leipzig as equal partners and can learn a lot from each other. Both locations have significant similarities: an urban size with a similar population, an airport, a cargo hub, as well as strong logistics affinity and labor market situation. Memphis views itself as a ‘City of Change’ but also Leipzig is continuously working on its economic development.”
