Visit of Utah's Governor Gary R. Herbert
On June 11th, the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce organised a seminar about "Opportunities for trade between Luxembourg and Utah" on the occasion of the visit of Utah's Governor, Mr. Gary R. Herbert to Luxembourg. The Governor was accompanied by government officials and by a high-ranking
trade delegation of about 40 Utah companies from the sectors of ICT, Aerospace, Finance, Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Bioh ealth. The visit took place in the framework of a Utah Trade Mission to Western Europe. The seminar attracted numerous stakeholder, Luxembourg-based companies, various business federations, as well as representatives from the US embassy and the Ministry of the Economy who were keen to learn more about this American State that has so much in common with Luxembourg.
Robert Dennewald, Vice Chairman of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, opened the seminar by highlighting the longstanding friendship between Luxembourg and the United States and the similar sectors that both Luxembourg and Utah are pursuing: biotechnology, aerospace and ICT. He stressed that Utah has a stable and predictable business friendly climate just as Luxembourg does. It consistently receives recognition for its low operating costs, high economic growth and excellent governance. Utah ranks as one of the top states in the U.S. for doing business. However, he also stressed that the bilateral trade was still lacking and that he hoped to, through the seminar, raise awareness among American and Luxembourg companies of the new prospects and opportunities that the respective markets have to offer in order to further strengthen the ties between the two countries and that the exchanges will gradually increase.
In order to confirm this will to strengthen ties with Utah, the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Salt Lake Chamber with a view to enhancing cooperation in particular through efforts at information exchange, the promotion of business exchange, and, when appropriate, joint projects. Keynote speaker, Governor Herbert, presented the Utah economy and stressed that America and Luxembourg have the same values and hence are natural business partners. "More than 95% of Utah's customers live outside the United States, and we are eager to do business with them," said Governor Herbert. "Western Europe and the state of Utah share strong economic and cultural ties, but there is room to build upon that foundation. During the trade mission we strengthen existing relationships and foster new ones to promote business and investment growth in Utah."
Jeannot Erpelding, Head of International Affairs at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, presented the Luxembourg economy and at the end of the conference, he invited the companies to the business lunch which was the opportunity for exchange and networking to create new business contacts.
