[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced he will lead a trade mission to Switzerland and Germany in November of 2025.

The delegation will travel to major business centers Zürich, Düsseldorf, and Berlin. The mission will focus on growing the state’s exports of goods and services, showcasing Minnesota as a top destination for business investment, developing new partnership opportunities, and strengthening existing trade and diplomatic ties.

"Amid global disruptions caused by trade wars, Minnesota is doing all we can to strengthen the trade and investment relationships that create and protect jobs at home," said Governor Walz. "As some of the largest and most innovative economies in the world, Germany and Switzerland both offer excellent opportunities for Minnesota businesses to expand their exports. I look forward to strengthening our relationships in technology, agriculture, and education."

Governor Walz will lead a delegation of representatives from businesses and organizations within Minnesota’s medical technology, cleantech, food and agriculture, and higher education sectors.

“Given the current political climate surrounding international trade, now is a great time to showcase Minnesota as a trustworthy business partner,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Switzerland and Germany are two large export destinations for Minnesota goods, and I look forward to promoting our state as a good investment and place to do business.”

“Germany and Switzerland value high quality agricultural products and we see great opportunity for Minnesota’s farmers in these markets,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “We look forward to highlighting our thriving food and ag sectors, fostering relationships with the Germans and Swiss, and expanding markets throughout the European Union.”

While in Düsseldorf, the delegation will attend MEDICA, a medical technology and health care trade fair. The MTO MEDICA booth showcases Minnesota and Minnesota-based companies to thousands of businesses and innovators from 165 nations.

In 2024, Germany was Minnesota’s eighth largest export market for goods, valued at $649 million. Germany is the third largest economy in the world after the United States and China, and the largest economy in Europe. The volume of trade, number of consumers, and Germany’s geographic location at the center of the European Union make it a cornerstone around which many U.S. firms seek to build their European and worldwide expansion strategies. The German market continues to be attractive in numerous U.S. export sectors, including medtech, cleantech, agriculture, and higher education.

Switzerland is Minnesota’s 22nd largest export destination with exports valued at $232 million in 2024. The Swiss market is sophisticated, highly automated, quality-conscious, and competitive with a world-class infrastructure and a business-friendly legal and regulatory environment.

Switzerland serves as an excellent test market for a range of goods and services and is strategically placed as a gateway to European markets. Switzerland is one of the world’s top countries for research and development, with further potential for partnerships in areas like biotech, medtech, nanotech, cleantech, and renewable energy.

The Minnesota Trade Office at the Department of Employment and Economic Development is organizing the trade mission. Applications to join the business delegation must be submitted by Friday, August 15, 2025 .