A delegation from the USA, led by the three commissioners for environment, transport and economy of the state of Minnesota, visited the North Westphalia Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Münster on June 14, 2023 to learn about the diverse activities in the “GreenTech Region North Westphalia”. IHK President Dr. Benedikt Hüffer described the visit as an “important contribution to a continuous exchange”, which is becoming increasingly important, especially in view of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of the US government.

Sebastian van Deel, Head of the Digitalization, Industry and International Division of the North Westphalia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gave an overview of the region’s strengths in researching and using renewable energies as well as the circular economy. Michael Müller from the city of Münster then explained the city’s climate protection strategy, while Alexander Beer presented the program for expanding photovoltaic systems on municipal buildings. Special attention was given to Max Rettenmeier from the Fraunhofer Research Manufacturing Battery Cell FFB facility and Sigrid Hams from Münster University of Applied Sciences, who reported on progress in battery research and the strength of Münster as a “Battery City.”

sliderimage-U.S. delegation consisting of IHK president Dr. Benedikt Hüffer (left) and IHK managing director Dr. Fritz Jaeckel (right) with the commissioners (Commissioners) for environment, traffic and economics from Minnesota: Katrina Keller, Nancy Daubenberger and Grace Arnold (from left to right). (Photo: North Westphalia Chamber of Industry and Commerce)
U.S. delegation consisting of IHK president Dr. Benedikt Hüffer (left) and IHK managing director Dr. Fritz Jaeckel (right) with the commissioners (Commissioners) for environment, traffic and economics from Minnesota: Katrina Keller, Nancy Daubenberger and Grace Arnold (from left to right). (Photo: North Westphalia Chamber of Industry and Commerce)
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The visit of the U.S. delegation was a response to the business trip to Minnesota in March 2023, which the IHK had organized together with other partners. Following the visit to the North Westphalia Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Münster, the delegation headed to Berlin for further talks.

We will continue to work on strengthening this cooperation between the regions and work together on a sustainable future. In June of the coming year 2024, another delegation trip to the USA is planned to exchange views on the future state of GreenTech and further visions for the future. We are convinced that we will further deepen this great cooperation and that this will contribute to the positive.

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