FAQs – Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Partnering in Business with Germany programme and find out how you can benefit from this foreign trade promotion instrument.
Frequently asked questions for German companies:
What is the aim of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme?
The programme aims to bring together German companies with international business partners and to establish long-term cooperation. It provides the opportunity especially for SMEs to enter international markets and ìnitiate foreign business. Furthermore, the programme facilitates collaboration with business partners, helps to establish up new business contacts and to build strategic cooperation between enterprises.
What sectors in particular are promoted in the context of the programme?
The programme, which is sector-neutral, aims to foster foreign business and facilitate the initiation of business. Depending on the economic structure of the respective partner country, most companies participating in the programme belong to the manufacturing industry, while some come from trade and the services sector. Basically, there are no restrictions in terms of sectors, but dual-use goods are excluded.
Current priority sectors and topics: agriculture, the construction industry, energy efficiency in industry, renewable energy, the healthcare industry, Industry 4.0, the circular economy / environmental technologies and the food industry.
How can the programme help my company to find new cooperation partners abroad?
Partnering in Business with Germany offers German companies a unique opportunity to establish international business contacts and to find new cooperation partners. Direct business contacts with decision-makers facilitate access to international markets, improve the visibility of your company and strengthen your company’s corporate network in our partner countries. The programme offers German companies targeted B2B contacts and the opportunity to contact selected potential business partners. The special feature is that German companies can easily open up new markets abroad from Germany.
What are the programme’s specific advantages for German SMEs in terms of the initiation of international business partnership opportunities?
The programme promotes the internationalisation of companies with a focus on German SMEs. It helps them to gain access to international markets in a fast and uncomplicated manner, because risks and costs are minimised.
The targeted preselection process of the programme focusing on SMEs makes sure that you will meet suitable entrepreneurs of foreign companies. Business cooperation works best when it takes place face-to-face: potential business partners with specific business ideas visit your company in order to explore business opportunities with you.
How can my company participate in the programme?
If you are looking for business partners in specific target markets or specific sectors, you can either offer company visits for groups of around 20 foreign entrepreneurs in Germany or hold individual, targeted B2B talks.
You can directly register on the website of the programme for personalised information about suitable business contacts: www.pg-connect.de/registrierung
How are foreign business executives prepared for the German business model and the German corporate culture?
The skills of the foreign managers are expanded in the context of special training courses and company visits, supported by Business Development Centres. The major topics include the significance of quality standards, intercultural business culture, establishing business contacts, and the special characteristics of negotiating contracts in Germany.
The programme attaches particular importance to the careful selection and qualification of participants. Eligible applicants include business executives with several years of experience as managers, negotiating authority and good English skills (or Russian, where appropriate) who work for companies which have specific ideas for the initiation of business with partners in Germany and are interested in SME cooperation.
During company visits or B2B meetings, you will thus meet with partners who are well-prepared for business cooperation.
What are the partner countries of the programme?
The programme currently comprises 18 partner countries. The target markets offer great potential for sales and distribution. Many of our partner countries are enjoying relatively high economic growth and are interested in international business contacts.
What costs arise for German companies?
There are no direct costs for you. Your contribution takes the form of investing some time by receiving a group of representatives of foreign firms in your company or/and meeting with individual entrepreneurs for B2B talks.
Frequently asked questions for foreign companies:
What requirements need to be met by applicants? Who can participate in the programme?
You are eligible to apply for participation in the programme if you are a business executive and have several years of experience as manager, the authority to negotiate abroad and a very good knowledge of English (or Russian, where appropriate). In addition, the company you represent needs to have a specific idea for the initiation of business partnering with a German company, seeks to internationalise and intends to do foreign business in Germany.
How much time do I need to invest for participating in the programme?
The time you invest is an investment in the initiation of foreign business. The programme consists of an online preparation phase of around 6 weeks in your home country and a 3-week stay in Germany.
During the six-week preparation phase, a two-day introductory workshop, 3 online training courses (1 day each) and individual, accompanying tutoring on the initiation of business provide optimum preparation for your stay in Germany. Supported by the Business Development Centres, you will work on your business partnership projects, draft presentation papers and contact representatives of German companies.
During the three-week stay in Germany, you will learn more about the potential of market entry in Germany and gain insights into the German economy. There will be all-day interactive training units and company visits. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to hold B2B talks in person with potential business partners in Germany. The weekends will be at your disposal.
You can find more detailed information about the individual phases of the programme here: Market Entry Germany | Business Support for Foreign Companies
Will my participation entail any costs for me?
During your participation in the programme, the following costs will be borne by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, which provides the funding for companies participating in the programme:
- – travel costs directly connected to the programme within Germany (local public transport);
- – accommodation costs, including half board in Germany;
- – seminar costs;
- – health, accident and liablity insurance during the stay in Germany.
The following costs need to be borne by the participants:
- – travel costs in the home country;
- – travel costs to Germany (return flight tickets);
- – costs of taxi transportation in Germany;
- – telephone costs, roaming fees (smartphone), internet;
- – costs beyond half board;
- – costs of individual activities and personal expenditures.
Will the participation in the programme improve my business success?
The programme provides numerous possibilities for matchmaking with cooperation partners for your company and for business cooperation activities with German firms. Around 16% of the participants conclude specific contracts after their participation in the programme. Participants gain comprehensive knowledge of the German market and strengthen their international management skills. You are the key to success. Your commitment and your motivation are crucial for the successful establishment of new international business contacts and partnerships. This experience has been confirmed by many participants, who are benefitting from increased turnover, the successful initiation of business and long-term joint ventures.
What sectors does the programme focus on?
The promotion programme is sector-neutral. The aim is to foster international business and facilitate the initiation of business. Depending on the economic structure of the respective partner country, most companies participating in the programme belong to the manufacturing industry, while some come from trade and the services sector. Basically, there are no restrictions in terms of sectors, but dual-use goods are excluded.
Current priority sectors and topics: agriculture, the construction industry, energy efficiency in industry, renewable energy, the healthcare industry, Industry 4.0, the circular economy / environmental technologies and the food industry.
How can I apply?
If you want to find out how you can apply for participation in the Partnering in Business with Germany programme, please contact the local point of contact in your home country. You can find the details of your local point of contact on the webpage for your country.
The application form to fill in your company data and express your interest in participating in the programme can be obtained from your local contact point. Your suitability for the programme will then be tested in an online interview.
What language skills are needed?
The programme takes place exclusively in English (or Russian, where appropriate). You should have good or very good language skills. You need to be able to understand the contents of the training and to hold conversations in English (or Russian), e.g. during negotiations with German business partners.