Thuringia has made the expansion of economic ties with Argentina a concrete goal of its current trip to South America. The delegation, led by Thuringia’s Economy Minister Colette Boos-John travelled to the MERCOSURcountries of Argentina and Brazil from 31 October to 7 November 2026; in Buenos Aires and the province of Tucumán talks were held with regional authorities and business representatives. On 3 November 2026, Boos-John signed a declaration of intent (Memorandum of Understanding) with the province of Tucumán to promote cooperation in trade and investment, according to Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk. ([mdr.de](https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/thueringen/video-wirtschaftsdelegation-argentinien-100.html?utm_source=openai))
The background is the agreement between the European Union and the MERCOSUR countries, which provisionally entered into force in January 2026 and is intended to reset rules on tariffs, trade barriers and cooperation in various sectors. Thuringian state authorities and the state development agency LEG Thuringia describe Argentina and Brazil as “dynamic growth markets with great future potential” and aim to open up market access and partnerships for Thuringian small and medium-sized businesses, agricultural technology, the food industry and mechanical engineering. LEG provided organisational support for the visit and offers companies assistance in accessing new markets. ([leg-thueringen.de](https://www.leg-thueringen.de/en/current/news/detail/dynamic-growth-markets-with-great-future-potential/?utm_source=openai))
According to statements from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and regional media, the delegation included around 50 representatives from businesses and institutions. Planned measures range from expert discussions and trade fair appearances to bilateral cooperation agreements. Thuringian representatives stress the importance of political support at state level in opening doors to government and regional bodies in South America; they also point to export risks in volatile markets and structural differences in regulations. ([mdr.de](https://www.mdr.de/mdr-thueringen/audio-3569054.html?utm_source=openai))
In the short term, the effects on the state’s economy are expected to be primarily increased market research and networking opportunities; in the medium to long term, the state government hopes for concrete investment and export projects. At the time of reporting, no figures for specific sales or investment commitments were available, and the bodies involved said these would depend on follow-up agreements. Thuringian authorities confirmed the developments and arrangements to the media; further agreements are to be fleshed out in the coming months. ([mdr.de](https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/thueringen/video-wirtschaftsdelegation-argentinien-100.html?utm_source=openai))
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).