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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.

A reliable political and economic environment and open global markets are decisive for the success of German companies in international trade. The Foreign Trade Days in North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg addressed the current fundamental changes in global trade and the opportunities and challenges for German firms in international competition.

Geopolitically uncertain times

60 exhibitors, 50 bilateral chambers of commerce and 800 visitors were present at the Foreign Trade Day North Rhine-Westphalia in the Borussia-Park in Mönchengladbach, the largest conference in North Rhine-Westphalia for companies operating around the world.

©GIZ/Michael Emmrich

Partnering in Business with Germany presented itself at its own stand and took the opportunity to exchange views with entrepreneurs from North Rhine-Westphalia and representatives of business organisations, especially about possibilities for internationalisation and the establishment of business contacts in the context of the foreign trade promotion programme.

The entrepreneurs were particularly interested in the Partnering in Business with Germany partner countries. A representative of the Carl Duisberg Centres, one of the business development centres which work on behalf of Partnering in Business with Germany, helped companies to make initial contacts with foreign business executives who are currently visiting Germany in the context of the programme. Tanja Winkler-Ensminger from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy was pleased with the event. She said: “The event provided numerous opportunities to network, met with a great response from visitors and was characterised by constructive discussions.”

North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the most attractive business hubs in Europe. A high population density, great purchasing power, companies with a high level of turnover and a good infrastructure make the region a leading European trading hub.

Foreign trade and investment in Hamburg: between disruption and opportunity

The 2nd Hamburg Foreign Trade Day also focused on current foreign trade policy trends. Around 200 participants informed themselves about new business models from the United States and China, discussed the strategic use of AI in foreign trade, and shared views on the fundamental changes in global trade, which also offer opportunities especially for Hamburg’s internationally oriented companies.

Representatives of Partnering in Business with Germany talked with representatives of companies and of bilateral chambers of commerce about possibilities for participation in the programme. The Business Development Centres Cognos International and DIBeratung provided insights into the practical implementation of the programme. They reported, for example, on visits by international business delegations to SMEs to the north of Germany, many of which have resulted in the conclusion of specific contracts. Furthermore, possibilities of participation in the programme and dates for initial visits to companies in Hamburg were agreed on at the event.

Teaser picture: Making new contacts at the Partnering in Business with Germany stand ©GIZ/Michael Emmrich

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Companies in Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia explore new markets