News

Innovative solutions for a sustainable South African economy

In late August, 45 South African executives who had taken part in the Partnering in Business with Germany programme met in Cape Town with representatives from business associations, the Consulate General in Cape Town, the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK South Africa), and Germany Trade & Invest. The focus was on promoting innovation and partnerships for a sustainable and digital future, and encouraging professional exchange and networking.

Partnership with Mexico extended until 2027

Cooperation with Mexico within the Partnering in Business with Germany programme is to be continued. Ambassador Clemens von Goetze and Director-General of the Office of the Minister (Secretaría de Economía), Ximena Escobedo, sealed the agreement by signing the new Joint Declaration at the Mexican Ministry of Economy on 6 August.

Brazil to become new partner country

A delegation headed up by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy visited Brasilia from 4-5 August 2025 to discuss the starting date of the bilateral trade and investment promotion programme Partnering in Business with Germany.

A successful start to cooperation with Türkiye

In June 2025 the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme reached a significant milestone: a successful visit by the Turkish pilot group came to an end at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. This not only represents an extension of the country portfolio, but also provides important impetus for new developments in German-Turkish economic cooperation.

First steps in forging a partnership with Indonesia

In early July 2025, a delegation from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy travelled to Jakarta to discuss the specifics of implementing the Partnering in Business with Germany programme with new partner country Indonesia.

50 years of German-Vietnamese relations: opportunities and prospects for the future

On 8 July 2025, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Palatinate held an anniversary event in Landau to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam and the manifold economic opportunities that exist between the two countries. The role of Partnering in Business with Germany in fostering business cooperation was highlighted at this event.

Companies in Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia explore new markets

Foreign Trade Days are important platforms for German SMEs. They provide an opportunity for representatives of SMEs, government and administration to exchange views on the key economic issues of our time, make international contacts and learn more about new markets. At the end of June and at the beginning of July, Partnering in Business with Germany took the opportunity in North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg to exchange views with local enterprises – and to present the possibilities offered by this foreign trade and investment promotion instrument for international business projects.

Conferences on cooperation with Africa in Kiel and Hanover

In June 2025, the Wirtschaftsförderung und Technologietransfer Schleswig-Holstein (WTSH), the chambers of commerce in northern Germany and the Africa Business Network (GTAI) hosted networking events for local SMEs in Kiel and Hanover. Partnering in Business with Germany took the opportunity to make the programme better known in this region.

South Africa: the gateway to the African continent

As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the importance of diversifying markets is growing – for both South Africa and Germany alike. Against this backdrop, the second meeting of the German-South African Steering Committee took place in Berlin on 11 June 2025, with a clear focus on deepening bilateral economic ties.

Turning a company visit into long-term cooperation: German engineers to use associated petroleum gas (APG) in Kazakhstan

Around the world, APG, a by-product of the extraction of petroleum and natural gas, is burned off by flare stacks, as using it often seems economically unviable or poses technical difficulties. However, German Wankel engines might soon change this for Kazakhstan. A group of Kazakhstani entrepreneurs focused on green technology visited the German company to talk about development projects in the APG sector – talks which proved successful on both sides.

Successful talks in Colombia

The trade relations between Colombia and Germany are to be further strengthened. For this purpose, representatives of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), the GIZ, the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MinCIT) and the government promotion agency ProColombia and further stakeholders met in Bogotá and Cali at the end of May 2025. The aim of the talks was to launch Partnering in Business with Germany with Colombia.

New business: pushing the envelope

In mid-May, around 60 Ukrainian programme alumni from the construction industry came together in Lviv to pinpoint innovative business opportunities. What stood out was the format: the entrepreneurs were urged to think outside the bounds of conventional categories.

Exhibiting at the Latin America and MENA Forums organised by the Munich and Upper Bavaria Chamber of Industry and Commerce

In May 2025, Germany’s largest Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) hosted two key regional forums: on 6 May, the Latin America Forum – Bavaria’s premier specialist event on Latin America – welcomed around 300 guests from business, government and academia to discuss geopolitical shifts and economic opportunities across a changing region and look at how Bavaria stands to benefit. Just two weeks later, on 22 May, the spotlight shifted to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Strong together: Tunisia and Germany celebrate a decade of successful cooperation

In mid-May, two high-ranking events strengthened German-Tunisian cooperation: the 10th anniversary event of Partnering in Business with Germany and the 1st session of the steering committee to plan future activities in the context of the programme. The Tunisian Minister of Industry, Mining and Energy (MIME), Fatma Thabet Chiboub, and representatives of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), MIME and the Chamber of Commerce of Tunisia and 70 programme alumni celebrated the programme’s success in Tunis.

Networking, innovation and new business opportunities

The smarter E Europe, Europe’s largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy sector, used Partnering in Business with Germany to bring together international and German companies for long-term cooperation. Over the course of three days in early May 2025, the programme presented its diverse array of services for the German and global economy alike. Company leaders from Vietnam and Egypt were also able to use this opportunity to make targeted business contacts with German companies from the energy sector.

Continuation of partnership with Chile

The successful cooperation between German and Chilean companies will be further strengthened in the coming years. The continuation of the collaboration in the context of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme until the end of 2026 is an important step to further expand the economic relations between the two countries.

Hannover Messe Trade Fair and the Future Day for SMEs: The Partnering in Business with Germany Programme presents itself to German exporters

The initiative launched by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to introduce its Partnering in Business with Germany Programme to German businesses is gaining momentum. Two important events took place in Lower Saxony and Berlin in April that highlighted the advantages of this foreign trade promotion instrument – an ideal opportunity to speak to German companies.

Digitalisation, efficient energy solutions and hydrogen technologies are paving the way for the future - Networking boosts Indo-German business relations

At the end of March 2025, during a major networking event organised by Partnering in Business with Germany in Mumbai, 80 Indian business leaders actively explored new opportunities for long-term economic cooperation. To discuss this topic, they met with representatives from India’s foremost business associations – the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) – as well as delegates from the German Embassy, the German Consulate General, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the well-established German business community.

Successful matching: the Special Initiative for Ukraine proves to be relevant

Promotion of foreign trade and investment, labour market integration and a corporate social responsibility project: the second round of the Special Initiative for Ukraine in the context of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme came to a successful end in Berlin and Düsseldorf at the beginning of April 2025. 76 Ukrainian “bridging managers” and 63 German host companies look back on valuable cooperation.

Cooperation between Vietnam and Germany extended

There is a long tradition of bilateral relations between Germany and Vietnam. Vietnam has also been an important partner country within the Partnering in Business with Germany programme since 2008. The continuation of this longstanding partnership has been confirmed by Helga Margarete Barth, the German ambassador to Vietnam, and Tran Quoc Phuonggm at the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), who have signed a Joint Declaration on the extension of the partnership programme until at least 2027.

Meeting of Partners in the Africa Business Network: A Focus on North Africa

The 20th Meeting of Partners in the Africa Business Network took place at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action on 19 March. The network is a Federal Government initiative to support German SMEs that wish to develop and expand their business in Africa. The Partnering in Business with Germany (PG) programme is one of the network partners that promote cooperation between Germany and Africa.

Vietnam: Long-term business opportunities with Partnering in Business with Germany

Partnering in Business with Germany organised two networking events in Vietnam at the end of February. These events not only celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany, but also promoted an intensive exchange on sustainable business practices and ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) criteria as well as networking between German and Vietnamese companies.

Partnering in Business with Germany at BIOFACH 2025: successful networking for German SMEs

With 35,000 visitors from 140 countries and more than 2,000 exhibitors, BIOFACH is the world’s leading trade fair for organic food and sustainable agriculture. It is thus an ideal platform to present the services offered by the foreign trade and investment promotion instrument Partnering in Business with Germany (PG) to German and international companies and foster the networking with German SMEs in a targeted manner.

Business cooperation: The Special Initiative for Ukraine enters its second round

At the end of January, around 40 Ukrainian refugee managers and 33 German companies started a unique new edition of the Special Initiative for Ukraine of Partnering in Business with Germany in Berlin and Düsseldorf. The aim is to establish and strengthen business relations between Germany and Ukraine.

PG as a brand: strengthening international business cooperation in the context of Partnering in Business with Germany

On 29 and 30 January 2025, the annual meeting with the Business Development Centres (BDCs) took place in Bonn. The focus was on the crucial role of the BDCs as multipliers of the programme and on further developing Partnering in Business with Germany, one of the German Federal Government’s instruments of foreign trade and investment promotion, as a brand. Representatives of the competent division in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the BDCs discussed strategies to raise awareness amongst German companies and strengthen international business cooperation.

Partnership with Ukraine extended: continuation of the cooperation in the context of "Partnering in Business with Germany"

Ukraine has been a partner country of Partnering in Business with Germany since 2001 and was thus one of the first countries to join the programme. A joint declaration of intent to continue the cooperation was signed in Kyiv on 29 January 2025. The aim is to further deepen the business relations between German and Ukrainian companies and to strengthen the strategic collaboration.

Great opportunities for German logistics providers in Azerbaijan

In light of its favourable strategic location between Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan is increasingly becoming an important gateway to the emerging markets of the Caucasus and Central Asia. The country is therefore expanding its role as logistics and energy hub, and this provides new opportunities for investment and cooperation in the fields of infrastructure and renewable energy for German companies.

AI for SMEs: potential for South-African companies

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a firm component of day-to-day business ìn many companies and their work processes worldwide – in order to increase efficiency or optimise processes. What possibilities does the implementation of AI offer in enterprises? And how can my own company benefit from AI?

Digital tools for the internationalisation of Chilean SMEs

How can the digitisation of work processes help to improve the international competitiveness of Chilean SMEs? Former participants of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme discussed this question in Santiago de Chile at the end of November 2024.

Partnering in Business with Germany continuing to grow – Türkiye new partner country

At the end of September 2024, Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck and Minister of Economy and Trade of Türkiye Ömer Bolat signed a joint declaration on the participation of Türkiye in the Partnering in Business with Germany programme in Berlin. The next step was taken in Ankara on 14 and 15 November 2024: initial talks at working level on details of the implementation of the programme were held with the Turkish partners.

A further deepening of economic relations with India

India has been an important partner country for the implementation of the external economic policy instrument Partnering in Business with Germany since 2009. This is stressed by the Joint Declaration of Intent signed by the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck and the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on 24 October 2024.

A small country with great potential for trade

With around seven million inhabitants, Kyrgyzstan is the smallest central Asian country. In light of its geostrategic location and favourable production costs, the country offers an interesting economic potential for German companies. It is particularly attractive in the fields of mining, the energy sector, agriculture, and the production of textiles, with the growing market for renewable energy, especially hydropower, providing interesting investment opportunities.

Tunisia: New vigour for cooperation

In early October, representatives from the Tunisian Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME) met with Manuel Palz, deputy head of division for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action’s Partnering in Business with Germany programme, in Tunis to plan future programme activities. In addition, talks were held with the German Embassy and the German-Tunisian Chamber of Industry and Commerce regarding upcoming programme activities.

Cooperation with Moldova extended until 2027

On 10 October 2024, Mr Viorel Garaz, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization of the Republic of Moldova, and Ms Gerlind Heckmann, Deputy Director-General at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), signed a joint declaration on the continuation of cooperation in the context of Partnering in Business with Germany in Chişinău. A joint event with the market entry programme provided an opportunity for B2B meetings during the visit.

Dialogue between Ukrainian and German Government Officials

Senior managers from various Ukrainian ministries and representatives of the Federal Government met for a two-week conference in Berlin in September. As part of the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme, they visited several ministries in Berlin and learned about EU-related requirements. At the same time, they discussed bilateral economic relations, including topics relating to the reconstruction of Ukraine.

New partner country: deepened trade relations with Türkiye

Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck and the Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat met in Berlin on 27 September 2024. They took the opportunity of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) to deepen the bilateral trade relations between the two countries, signing a Joint Declaration on the Participation of Türkiye in the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme.

Networking: a valuable tool for South African SMEs

Under the theme ‘Connection creates Values’, over 70 South African entrepreneurs who are all former participants of Partnering in Business with Germany met in Johannesburg in mid-September. The event focused not only on networking but also on the sharing of views and expertise on foreign trade financing.

Visits to companies of successful programme participants in Cairo

Dialogue with former programme participants was the focus during the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action’s Deputy Head of Division of Partnering in Business with Germany Manuel Palz’s four-day trip to Cairo. The trip included a certificate handover ceremony, company visits and a reception with the Federal President – with Partnering in Business with Germany alumni showcasing the successful cooperation that has emerged from their participation in the programme.

Mexican women entrepreneurs very successful

On 13 September 2024, the designated Director-General at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) Dr Christian Forwick welcomed a group of 19 Mexican women entrepreneurs to Berlin. The reception marked the end of their stay in Germany and highlighted the intensified bilateral cooperation in the context of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme in 2024.

Partnering in Business with Germany promotes foreign trade with companies from Uzbekistan

Opening the 6th meeting of the German-Uzbek steering committee of Partnering in Business with Germany in Tashkent on 28 August 2024, Mr Tengiz Asanov, deputy head of the department for investment climate and rating at the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said: “Germany has always been one of the most reliable, important and versatile partners of Uzbekistan regarding trade, business, technologies and investment.”

15 years of Partnering in Business with Germany with Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a promising growth market in Central Asia. German companies are therefore increasingly keen to benefit from the region’s growth potential and are using Kazakhstan as an entry market into the region. The fifth German-Kazakh steering committee took place in the capital Astana on 19 August to mark the 15th anniversary of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme with the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Video: Visit to trade fair by Egyptian executives seals partnership

Egypt is Africa’s second-largest economy, and offers significant potential for cooperation between German and Egyptian firms in the fields of climate action, renewable energy and water and waste management.

Searching for partners in new markets

On 4 July 2024, 80 entrepreneurs from the Southeast Asian country of Vietnam and from Germany took part in an online seminar to gain insights into the Vietnamese market and establish new business contacts in Vietnam and in Germany.

PG presents itself at the Foreign Trade Day Hesse

The 7th Foreign Trade Day Hesse under the motto “Regional networks – global success” took place at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Frankfurt on 9 July 2024. Partnering in Business with Germany (PG) also participated in the event on international trade with the aim to make its services more visible for small and medium-sized enterprises in the German state of Hesse.

Strategy workshop of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the GIZ PG Team

Staff members of the division at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) which is in charge of Partnering in Business with Germany and representatives of the management team of the GIZ programme met for a two-day strategy workshop in Berlin on 24 and 25 June 2024. The focus was on the further development of the programme.

Logistical solutions as an answer to new needs of businesses

More than 100 alumni of Partnering in Business with Germany and representatives of the Mongolian Ministry of Economy and Development and of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action met in Ulaanbaatar on 13 June to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the programme with Mongolia.

Alumna from Chile accompanies president’s delegation to Berlin

 A Partnering in Business with Germany alumna from Chile, Valentina Varela, was part of the Chilean president’s delegation that attended the German-Chilean Economic Forum in Berlin on 11 June. The half-day event focused on such topics as environmentally friendly energy and critical raw materials.

Uzbekistan benefits from German technologies on the path to climate neutrality

On 16 May, around 60 Uzbek PG alumni met with representatives of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan (CCIU), the Business School under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan and the German business community at a networking event organised by Partnering in Business with Germany in Tashkent.

“Strong women make a strong economy”

On 17 May 2024 Parliamentary State Secretary Dr Brantner received 25 female entrepreneurs from the “Women in Business” group from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

Successful development of expertise for cooperation with German companies: Partnering in Business with Germany (PG) in Turkmenistan

Almost 50 former PG participants from the agricultural, textile, healthcare, logistics and transport sectors took part in the networking event in Ashgabat on 30 April.

Extension by three years: continuation of support of business initiation with German SMEs for South African business executives

South Africa and Germany have extended their cooperation in the context of Partnering in Business with Germany by another three years. Lerato Mataboge, Deputy Director-General at the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), and German Ambassador Andreas Peschke signed the respective joint declaration of intent in Pretoria on 24 April 2024. 

The Partnering in Business with Germany (PG) SME programme at the 9th International Cooperation Exchange in Barleben

Partnering in Business with Germany is an instrument of foreign trade and investment promotion of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. It is primarily aimed at German SMEs seeking to internationalise their businesses.

Gaining a better understanding of German business culture: Partnering in Business with Germany celebrates 15 years of cooperation with Moldova

On 26 April, Partnering in Business with Germany and its long-standing implementing partner, the Moldovan Chamber of Industry and Commerce, celebrated 15 years of cooperation. 

‘Bridging Managers’ connecting Germany and Ukraine – a successful pilot project enters its second round

Eliminating obstacles – building bridges: this is a brief summary of Partnering in Business with Germany’s special initiative for Ukraine that enabled 37 refugee managers from Ukraine to do eight-week internships in German companies in Berlin and Düsseldorf in autumn 2023.

Sustainability solutions from German industry: executives from Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova gain insights

“Green economy” was the focus of executives from Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova who visited Germany in February as part of Partnering in Business with Germany.

Partnering in Business with Germany promotes foreign business with Ukrainian companies

Six years after the last bilateral meeting in Kyiv, the 12th meeting of the German-Ukrainian steering committee of Partnering in Business with Germany was held on 21 March at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action in Berlin. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and then the war, the programme had to be interrupted for a significant period of time.

Climate action as a shared task: How Vietnamese participants of Partnering in Business with Germany are helping governments and companies meet their climate goals

From 8-10 March 2024, around 100 alumni of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme met with representatives of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the German business community for a networking event in Vietnam. The event, entitled “Shaping the future: Digital solutions towards climate neutrality”, provided Vietnamese entrepreneurs with a platform for exchange and opportunity to network with German businesses in Vietnam.

Sustainable energy: Thomas Preuhs Holding in dialogue with Central Asian managers

The spotlight during the exchange at the Preuhs Campus was on technologies aimed at utilizing renewable energies in building energy supply and fostering corporate sustainability, engaging managers from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Energy-efficient food dehydration for farmers from all over the world

Executives from Kyrgyzstan learned about quality assurance in the production of innovative food dryers and technology management during a visit to the German company INNOTECH Ingenieursgesellschaft GmbH.

From Design Thinking to the new entrepreneurs’ club in Kyrgyzstan

A networking event for the new graduates from Kyrgyzstan took place on 13 and 14 December in Bishkek. The varied programme included a review of the successful collaborations between the Programme participants and German companies. Based on their experiences, initial ideas were also developed for the further networking of the Kyrgyz former Programme participants.

We are Making a Contribution: Trust Between German and Mexican Companies is Growing

To mark the 10th anniversary of the bilateral Partnering in Business with Germany Programme with Mexico, a networking event was held in Mexico City on 7 and 8 December 2023 under the motto “Forming long-term partnerships”.

The event got off to a turbulent start – with an earthquake. Fortunately, everyone in attendance escaped with a scare. After the alarm was cancelled, the event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Irais Barreto, Director of Global Economic Intelligence at the Mexican Ministry of Economy.

Partnering in Business with Germany supports companies promoting circular economy

A circular economy is becoming increasingly important globally and the need for technologies and solutions for a closed-loop circular model is increasing – using resources more efficiently, questioning consumption and recycling resources. Having this in mind, the industry group Circular Economy from India visited German companies during the BMWK program Partnering in Business with Germany to exchange ideas on a circular economy.

Visit to DEULA Nienburg: promoting sustainability in agriculture

The managers from Ukraine and Moldova visited the German Training Institute for Agricultural Engineering (DEULA) in Nienburg. The six-hectare DEULA site is home to state-of-the-art teaching halls and training rooms covering an area of over 9,000 m² as well as an attractively furnished guest house.

German-Chilean Steering Committee: Focus on sector groups

With the aim of taking stock of the past seven years and jointly defining the direction for the future, the first meeting of the German-Chilean steering committee of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme took place in Santiago de Chile on 21 November 2023. The bilateral committee agreed to include a broader range of companies and increase the number of Chilean companies in order to intensify cooperation.

Short official channel: Ukrainian and German government officials in Berlin

As part of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), 19 executives from various ministries in Ukraine met in Berlin from 13 to 17 November 2023. The programme has been held annually since 2001 with the aim of improving cooperation at government level and supporting Ukraine’s rapprochement with the EU through professional exchange.

Managers from Azerbaijan and Mongolia experience agricultural machinery innovation

A delegation from Azerbaijan and Mongolia recently visited the German family-run business Lemken to experience agricultural machinery up close.

Promotion of Alumni Networks

Numerous alumni from the programme’s 17 partner countries came together at our recent alumni workshop as part of the event to mark the 25^th anniversary of Partnering in Business with Germany in Berlin. During the workshop, alumni gained insights into the focal points of alumni work, which aims to promote business relations and establish alumni networks.

25th Anniversary Celebration in Berlin

Partnering in Business with Germany: The former Manager Training Programme gets off to a good start with a new name and a stronger emphasis on partnership.

The celebrations to mark the 25^th anniversary of the BMWK foreign trade promotion scheme took place in Berlin with numerous international associates and guests over the course of two days.

New Programme Name: Focus on Partnership

After 25 successful years, the “Manager Training Programme” will now be renamed “Partnering in Business with Germany”.

5th Meeting of the German-Mongolian Steering Committee in Berlin

Under the positive impression of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme, the 5th meeting of the German-Mongolian Steering Committee took place in Berlin on 27 October 2023. Dr Andreas Nicolin, Deputy Head of Department at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and Idesh Batkhuu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy and Development of Mongolia, chaired the meeting.

German-Turkmenian cooperation with green issues in focus

As part of the anniversary celebrations of the Manager Training Programme, which has been renamed Partnering in Business with Germany as a result of the further development of the Programme and its successful relaunch, Germany and Turkmenistan agreed to continue their cooperation in the successful foreign trade promotion instrument in the Joint Declaration.

Successful Kick-off of the “Special Initiative Ukraine”

This October, 17 Ukrainian refugee managers in Düsseldorf and 20 Ukrainian refugee managers in Berlin started the “Special Initiative Ukraine of the Manager Training Programme” pilot project of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany.

Under a new name at the Foreign Trade Days

During the Foreign Trade Days, which took place from 11-13 October at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) and to which numerous German entrepreneurs were invited, the Manager Training Programme was presented for the first time under a new name: Partnering in Business with Germany.

Georgian managers gain insights at Brohl Wellpappe

Participants from Georgia visited Brohl Wellpappe, a company specialising in the production of packaging for various industries and international markets.

From organic waste to electricity

Waste disposal plants and the largest biogas plant in Europe at its construction gave a South African group at the Zweckverband Abfallwirtschaft (ZAW) Donau-Wald in Passau insights into sustainable recycling solutions.

Smart Farming and Sustainable Food Processing

Vietnamese executives learned about climate and environmentally friendly cultivation and processing methods from Germany during visits to German companies as part of the Manager Training Programme – and made promising business contacts in the process.

Networking event in India: A look into the future

Almost 100 alumni and other representatives from politics and business accepted the invitation of the Indo-German Manager Training Programme to the networking event “Forming Long-term Partnerships” on 21 and 22 July 2023 in Bangalore, India. The focus was on the opportunity to connect with German institutions in India, such as AHK Bengaluru, VDMA India and also the Fraunhofer Institute from Bengaluru.

Insightful entrepreneurial practices from a scales manufacturer

Executives from Egypt gained insights into the successful marketing strategy for the diverse company portfolio and the operational process in production during their visit to Bizerba SE & Co. KG, which is known for scales technology.

Tradition and innovation lead to international success

As one of the market leaders in automation with vacuum and for ergonomic handling systems, Schmalz GmbH has been a partner in worldwide demand for years. Azerbaijani managers visited the company to see the innovative strength of the company and gained important insights into international business processes.

Programme with Kazakhstan extended until 2025

In the presence of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Udo Philipp, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and the Kazakh Minister of Economy, Alibek Kuanyrov, signed a Joint Declaration on further cooperation within the framework of the bilateral Manager Training Programme until the end of 2025 in Astana on 20 June.

South Africa: Course set for further cooperation

Within the framework of the German-South African Binational Commission on 19 June, the working group on economy and energy met. Ms Borak, Deputy Head of Bilateral and Regional Climate and Energy Cooperation, Sub-Saharan Africa at the BMWK, also discussed the Manager Training Programme, in which South Africa has been a partner country since 2019.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Manager Training Programme with Egypt!

A festive event dedicated to the 10^th anniversary of the Manager Training Programme with Egypt was held in Cairo on June 14, 2023. Over the past ten years, a total of 350 businesswomen and businessmen have completed the  Programme successfully, many of them working in mechanical engineering, chemistry, food production, metal and plastics processing and services.

German-Mongolian cooperation reaffirmed

Networking at all levels was the focus of the German-Mongolian Business Forum of the Manager Training Program in cooperation with the German-Mongolian Business Association (DMUV) in Ulaanbaatar in mid-June.

“The Manager Training Programme supports Chile to push forward the green economy”

On 23 May, a networking event took place in Santiago, Chile. The participants were welcomed by Markus Weichert, responsible for Chile in the Manager Training Programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

“We got recognized globally after the programme”

“Gaining new strength through cooperation” – this was the motto of the first alumni event on 11 and 12 May in Cape Town, South Africa. The theme was not only on paper but was lived by the former Programme participants on both days. The focus was on networking among themselves as well as on cooperation with German institutions.

15 Years of Successful Cooperation with Turkmenistan

“The Manager Training Programme is an excellent example of German-Turkmen cooperation”, stressed Michael U. Bierhoff, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Turkmenistan, in his speech on 4 May during the celebration of the 15^th anniversary of the Manager Training Programme in Turkmenistan.

Green Transformation: New Impetus for German-Vietnamese Cooperation

This year, the alumni networking event was under the title of “Green Transformation: New Impetus for German-Vietnamese Cooperation”. This was reflected in the keynote speech by Manuel Palz, Deputy Head of Division for the Manager Training Programme at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and in various workshops.

Vietnam: New Emphasis

The Vietnamese Ministry for Planning and Investment hosted the 7th Meeting of the German-Vietnamese Steering Committee in Hanoi on 30 March.

Innovation through Tradition

Shasenem Garlyyeva is a businesswoman through and through. With her two firms, she promotes business relations between Turkmenistan and Germany and contributes to bringing the cultures of the two countries closer together. She brings handmade home textiles made of camel hair into German living rooms. And in her own bakery, she will soon be delighting her fellow citizens with genuine German “Baumkuchen” layer cakes.

A Stronger Emphasis on Climate and Resource Protection

The 3^rd Meeting of the German-Azerbaijani Steering Committee took place in Berlin on 9 February.

A Start into the New Year with Regard to the German Economy

The Annual Meeting of the Training Centres (FBZs) of the Manager Training Programme took place in Bonn on 2 and 3 February 2023. The new Head of Division for the Manager Training Programme at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), Mr Ulrich Niemann, introduced himself to the participants and presented incentives from the ministry with a focus on the German economy.

Wine and friends make a great blend

Ezanne and Lesego got to know each other during the Virtual Manager Training Programme in 2020. Then they met each other in real life and became friends. At one of their get-togethers, they hit on the idea of creating their own wine range. And that was the beginning of “Khai Wines”. Khai means “rise up”, and the brand represents the passion the two entrepreneurs have for their home country South Africa.

Manager Training Programme Goes Green

For many companies Green Economy is already an integral component of their corporate activities – also in the case of the managers from Chile and Mexico who visited Germany in June within the framework of the Manager Training Programme. It was a recurrent topic throughout the Programme.

Successful Together

Mokhtar, Wissem and Hichem have been friends since the Manager Training Programme and also have close business links. With each other – and with the German business sector.

New Paths

Manjusha Mohan represents change at G’sons Apparels, where she has promoted the development of women and revolutionised the way her company handles waste. She is also driving the firm’s internationalisation.

Entrepreneur from Tashkent Shows Flexibility and Farsightedness

Umida Tadjieva is a businesswoman through and through. After completing her degree as a paediatrician she attained a Master’s degree in health management and in 2014 founded a company that now makes it possible for patients in Uzbekistan to have access to high-quality medical treatment in Germany. The company is also active on the international health market and trains staff from medical and other fields. Yet, as an entrepreneur she doesn’t only export patients and staff, she also ensures that medical expertise flows back into Uzbekistan. The Manager Training Programme helped support her in doing this.

“Buna enteta” – Let’s Have a Coffee!

Coffee is Ethiopia’s national beverage. Sara Yirga also loves the brew made from roasted beans. Her company produces fair trade coffee and supports smallholder farmers. Since completing the Manager Training Programme, she has also been exporting her special beans abroad. The passionate entrepreneur is also involved in advanced training for coffee experts.

Virtual reality made in Chile conquers the European market

Eight years ago, Juan Reyes founded his own software start-up together with four friends from university. “A company has to be as diverse as a zoo,” he says. Reyes completed the Manager Training Programme a year ago. It has become his springboard into international business.

Up close and personal with the German economy

Executives from Tunisia participated in the virtual manager training programme in spring. The 18 entrepreneurs from various industries and representing various company sizes had a positive experience. The main objective of the group was to establish business contacts to German companies and to maintain and expand existing relationships by participating in the programme, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

A Springboard to Success

His participation in the Manager Training Programme was a career boost for Fizuli Yolchiyev from Azerbaijan. After six years as Purchasing Manager at Facet LLC, a wholesale firm for medical technology, he was promoted to the position of Head of Purchasing. Since then, he has particularly intensified the cooperation with German firms.

Setting an Example for Vocational Training

Ramy Soudan is the managing director of Riyada. In an interview, he talks about modernising his company after completing the Manager Training Programme. He has recently started in-house training for dairy technologists and is driving the development of the profession which is still new in Egypt. His training programme is modelled on Germany’s vocational training system.

“Find the Containers!”

Ainur Abdina is making the impossible possible while successfully navigating her company through the pandemic. The entrepreneur from Kazakhstan acquired the necessary confidence and know-how in the Manager Training Programme.

“The Programme has changed my life”

Looking back on her participation in the Manager Training Programme (MP), Maria Plesca states, that it changed her entire life. Following the training in Germany, she was so inspired that she not only reorganised her parent’s business, Tingrimar, but also took over another firm.

Georgian Lemonade for the German Market

Export Manager Malkhaz Chakaberia wanted to find out how popular his lemonade “made in Georgia” was in Germany. The sobering result: the soft drink is too sweet for German taste buds. The enlightening result: he can sell it nevertheless because he has found a niche market for it.

“Our processes are now 90 per cent more efficient”

For more than two decades, Ranok has provided the Ukrainian market with books and stationery. Business is good and processing all the orders quickly and efficiently is one of the firm’s biggest challenges. As head of logistics, this is Jurij Bugaj’s responsibility. In the course of the MP, he optimised the warehouse technology in his firm and increased his focus on employee motivation.

Coffee, Culture and a Skills Upgrade

The first 21 participants from new MP partner country Ethiopia arrived in Germany in November 2019. During the introductory workshop in Addis Ababa, the group had expressed great interest in expanding their intercultural skills and showed enthusiasm for modern technology. It also quickly became clear that the Ethiopian and German cultures are linked by one thing in particular: coffee