“It’s hard work”: Kretschmann on his way to America – dpa

On Tuesday, Kretschmann plans to attend federal and state consultations with the president via video link from the US Olaf Scholes (SPD) participates. Scholz had postponed a meeting with prime ministers at short notice until next Tuesday. Kretschmann almost canceled participation in the American tour. Negotiations with the central government are very important to him – for weeks he has been demanding more financial support from the central government, for example for local transport.

Kretschmann plans to visit Pittsburgh, Sacramento and Los Angeles by Oct. 8. 2018 also saw his last big trip America, to California. He is accompanied by 104 people, company bosses, professors, Finance Minister Daniel Bias, Transport Minister Winfried Herrmann (both Greens) and Economy Minister Nicole Hofmeister-Kradt (CDU).

According to the State Department, the United States is the country’s most important trading partner. More than a quarter of Baden-Württemberg’s direct investments go to the United States (around 80 billion euros in 2018). Southwest also has nearly 280 American companies. Also, the state government counts 685 university collaborations between Southwest and the state. Kretschmann wants to expand on this and present Baden-Württemberg as a strong place for business and science.