An important trade partner, Hessen officials will meet with Governor, state, business, and education leaders to explore digitalization partnerships
MADISON, WI. MAY 3, 2023 – A delegation from the German state of Hessen led by its first minister for digitalization is visiting Wisconsin this week to celebrate and strengthen the region’s historic, cultural and business ties to Wisconsin and explore new opportunities for digital cooperation.
The 14-member delegation, led by Minister Kristina Sinemus, is scheduled to meet with Governor Tony Evers, tour facilities at Madison Area Technical College and UW-Madison as well as visit Epic Systems and a Wisconsin facility of MilliporeSigma during the visit Thursday and Friday.
“Wisconsin is delighted to renew our ties of friendship and build new partnerships with Hessen,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “Hessen is a valued trade partner for Wisconsin and we’re looking forward to the new opportunities digitalization can create.”
As Hessen’s first minister for digitalization, Sinemus is charged with building partnerships to use technology and digital processes to improve everyday life. Digitalization includes things such as digital infrastructure, health care, digitalization of rural areas, digital literacy, e-government and smart cities.
“Wisconsin companies and entrepreneurs are working on digitalization challenges such as expanding broadband internet in rural areas, telehealth and other innovations,” Hughes said. “We are excited to show Hessen how we can work on these challenges together.”
Wisconsin and Hessen have been sister states since 1976. More than 60 German companies have operations in Wisconsin including a number from Hessen including Merck Group, which owns MilliporeSigma.
Located in Central Germany, Hessen is home to more than 6 million people and numerous well-known companies including Opel, Merck, Deutsche Bank and Sanofi Aventis. Frankfurt is the region’s largest city.
In 2022, Germany was Wisconsin’s fourth-largest trading partner. Wisconsin companies exported more than $1 billion to the country last year.
