Event Review 2023

On Wednesday, the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce presented itself as an international platform in Giessen. Over 40 guests from 19 countries and five continents took part in the networking conference, 'The World Meets in Giessen'. 'We need international networking for our prosperity,' explained Dr Volker Treier, DIHK Head of Foreign Trade and member of the DIHK Executive Board. However, there are increasing signs of companies becoming politicised. 'Today, companies have to justify why they do business with China.' This is a critical development for local prosperity. The future can only be shaped through cooperation with other countries. ‘If sanctions in international trade do not comply with the rules of the World Trade Organization, there is a risk of lengthy legal proceedings.’ The DIHK has also learned that European and German politics are perceived as ideological abroad, which puts local companies at a disadvantage.

In his keynote speech, former Federal Minister of Defence Rudolf Scharping asked, “How can we strike a balance between rising global tensions and a greater need for international cooperation?” Focusing on common issues could be a starting point. For example, there are a number of similarities with China, such as an ageing population. China also has a labour market problem, albeit one characterised by a completely different situation. A large proportion of academics perform the simplest tasks.
“The world has changed dramatically, and this trend will continue,” said Scharping. The shift in population proportions alone is causing changes in global politics. The proportion of the European population in the global population will continue to decline, soon reaching four per cent. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, economic heavyweights are emerging. ‘This creates enormous opportunities, but also necessitates international cooperation, from climate protection to peaceful development.’

Former Federal Minister of Defence Rudolf Scharping addressed guests at the 'The World meets in Giessen' conference.
IHK President Rainer Schwarz also emphasised that the Chamber of Industry and Commerce stands for openness and international cooperation. 'Our companies have always thought internationally. We are located in one of the most innovative economic and scientific regions in Germany. The economic and educational landscapes in Central Hesse are both excellent. This close link with higher education has helped to establish this region as a forward-looking, high-tech business location.

“The current overlapping international crises pose major challenges for our companies. We aim to generate opportunities in foreign markets and act as a multiplier,” said IHK Chief Executive Dr Matthias Leder. Companies can always draw on the network of German chambers of commerce in target countries abroad. The idea for the conference emerged from the large number of foreign guests who attended the CCIs 150^(th) anniversary celebrations last year. Many of these participants expressed their support for the establishment of a permanent international platform.
The conference offered a wide range of opportunities for international networking and for establishing new partnerships, for example in sales, purchasing or potential investments. Industry-specific company presentations showcased the diverse products and ideas of all participating companies. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce aims to expand its diverse international activities further. Intensive cooperation began in 2005 with the export of training programmes to Kenya and Nigeria. A similar cooperation with China has been in place for nine months. The conference was moderated by IHK Chief Executive Dr Matthias Leder, with Norbert Noisser, Senior Advisor at the IHK, acting as co-moderator.