Think Utah economic development and the word "Saarland" probably doesn't spring to mind.
But Utah on Thursday formalized its economic ties with the German state that has a population of more than a million.
Gov. Mike Leavitt, representatives of Saarland and other economic development officials met at the Capitol to sign a cooperation agreement that will, in part, promote economic relations, especially in foreign trade and technology development; begin a regular exchange of economic information and experiences; support and organize direct contacts between companies in Saarland and Utah; and support companies in trade shows.
Saarland and Utah established a relationship about six years ago. Saarland, for example, is a member of the Utah Information Technology Association and also involved in local chambers of commerce.
"It's an important agreement," Leavitt said. "I'm building on what has become a long-standing relationship of value and trust, and we anticipate even greater so in the future."
Hanspeter Georgi, Saarland's minister of economic affairs, said he hopes the agreement "will help the businesspeople and R&D people to come together and to cooperate very effectively."
Franz Kolb, deputy director of the state Intermountain Business Development Office and the director in charge of Europe, said Utah companies have used Saarland as a gateway to the European market. The state has a high-tech base and is near the French border. In fact, Saarland has from time to time been part of both France and Germany.
"It used to be a very traditional place, with a lot of mining, but they have changed a lot of their infrastructure the last couple of years and are willing to cooperate and reach out," Kolb said.
He noted that Utah was one of few Western states to see exports increase last year, and formalized agreements help.
"In the eyes of overseas businesses and organizations, the role of government is very important, almost like the gateway to business development. Over here, we don't really have that. We do business until it is overseas and then we say, 'Wait a minute. If we had had those connections with the government over there, we would've gotten a lot of business.' "
A Utah delegation will visit Germany, and a delegation from Saarland will visit Utah next year. "We're looking forward to making new friends," Leavitt said.
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