Tag der Industrie (TDI), also known as the “Day of German Industry,” is Germany’s most prominent celebration and gathering of the European nation's industry leaders, business executives and economic policymakers.
Hosted by the Bundesverband der Deutchen Industrie (BDI), or Federation of German Industry, June 24-26, 2024, in Berlin, South Carolina was featured prominently at this year’s event. Governor Henry McMaster presented a keynote address in addition to participating in a panel discussion on the importance of maintaining transatlantic partnerships
At left, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster sit side-by-side at Tag der Industrie (TDI), Monday, June 24, 2024, in Berlin. At right, Governor McMaster presents his address to hundreds of key German business leaders.
South Carolina and Germany have built strong economic ties over several decades. Notably, the country was the leading export market for South Carolina-made goods and services in 2023. Since 2022, German-owned automotive manufacturing investments from BMW and Scout Motors have been major examples of foreign direct investment (FDI), accounting for $3.9 billion in capital investments in just over a year.
To celebrate and cultivate these global business partnerships, Governor McMaster and Secretary Lightsey met with executives at both BMW and Volkswagen global headquarters, respectively. South Carolina representatives toured both the famed BMW Welt and BMW Research and Innovation Center which helps drive the future of automotive manufacturing, and Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg mega facility — boasting the title of the world’s largest single car manufacturing complex.
These meetings provided an up-close look at the high-tech automotive manufacturing innovations already utilized throughout Germany. By working with industry leaders throughout the world, South Carolina can continue to deliver the high-quality products it’s become known for, while meeting international demand and growing the possibilities of advanced manufacturing.
From left to right, BMW Group Director of Corporate Affairs Maximilian Schoeberl, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, BMW AG Chairman of the Board of Management Oliver Zipse and South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III pose at BMW Group’s global headquarters Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Munich.
From left to right, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Volkswagen Chief Finance and Operating Officer Dr. Arno Antlitz and Volkswagen AG Head of International and European Policy Jens Hanefeld meet at Volkswagen’s global headquarters Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Stay Ahead with SC’s Economic Insights
Enter your email to receive our biweekly newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news.