Governor Cox leads Utah delegation on trade mission to Switzerland and Germany
SALT LAKE CITY (April 10, 2026) — Governor Spencer J. Cox is leading a Utah delegation on a trade mission to Switzerland and Germany, April 13–21, focusing on strengthening global trade ties, attracting foreign investment, and advancing workforce partnerships through European dual-education apprenticeship models. He is joined by state leaders, Utah legislative representatives, business leaders, and industry partners.
The delegation will conduct site visits in Switzerland, including ETH Zurich, and convene with partners through a Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) roundtable to explore how “earn-and-learn” vocational models can support integration into Utah’s Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection apprenticeship program. The delegation will also tour the manufacturing facilities of Doppelmayr/Garaventa and Stadler, both of which have U.S. headquarters in Salt Lake City. These visits reinforce ties between European partners and Utah’s advanced manufacturing sector.
In Germany, the delegation will attend Hannover Messe — the world’s largest manufacturing trade fair — where they will engage with global leaders in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy to highlight Utah as a destination for investment.
As part of the visit, the governor will sign the renewal of a 24-year-old memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Jürgen Barke, Saarland’s minister of economy, focusing on innovation and workforce collaboration. This renewal formalizes a shared vision for transatlantic growth, deepening collaboration across trade promotion, mutual investment, technological innovation, and workforce development to support long-term economic growth in both regions.
Media Contacts:
Patrick Fitzgibbon
Public Information and Communications Manager
Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
+1 801-839-4229
Liz Radley
Director, Marketing & Communications
World Trade Center Utah
+1 385-290-0692
