Event review 2024

“We support companies in identifying opportunities and establishing new connections. Central Hesse is a region with a strong economic structure, a high export ratio, and a large number of innovative companies,” explained Dr. Matthias Leder, CEO of the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, at the chamber's international networking conference. The event took place on Thursday at the Giessen Congress Hall under the motto “The World meets in Giessen.” Over 100 guests from ten countries used the platform to present their companies and make contacts. Rudolf Scharping, former German Minister of Defense and China expert, emphasized: “We should remember that all companies and countries in the world benefit from cooperation. This creates better opportunities for everyone in the world.”

Participants came into contact with entrepreneurs from numerous countries, including representatives from Nigeria, China, and Brazil. Rainer Schwarz, President of the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, emphasized the importance of this international forum: “We want to offer an international platform for exchange and cooperation. In this way, we are building bridges between Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.”

The creative industry is an emerging sector in Nigeria. It comprises 24 sectors, including fashion, music, film, theater, and tourism. According to a report by Jobberman's Research, this sector has become the second largest employer in the country. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, highlighted the opportunities available to investors. The number of joint projects between Nigerian creatives and international partners has increased significantly in recent years. International collaborations in the fields of music, film production, and fashion events have raised the global profile of the industry: “By harnessing the power of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, investors can not only generate financial returns, but also drive positive development.”

HUANG Yiyang, Consul General of the People's Republic of China, highlighted the international orientation and cooperation with Africa in his presentation: “For China, further development within its own country is important, but so is development and investment in other countries.” BRICS, an alliance of emerging and industrialized countries, is an important economic link. Overcoming poverty, green transformation, and infrastructure development are key objectives. China has been working with African partners for 70 years. For some time now, there have also been German-Chinese projects to strengthen infrastructure in Africa.

“For our export-oriented companies, it is a fundamental concern to drive forward economic globalization. Open markets, free capital flows, and fair competition promote growth and prosperity. Foreign markets are a mainstay of our companies' business,” explained CCI President Rainer Schwarz. More than half of all euros are generated by the manufacturing industry through exports.

Two panel discussions addressed current trends in global trade relations, particularly between Germany and the Global South. Christoph Kannengießer, CEO of Afrika Verein e.V., sees great potential in Africa: "In recent years, Africa has hardly been involved in globalization. Germany, too, has focused more on traditional industrialized countries. But that is now changing as Africa pursues its plan to become more industrialized, for example in the food processing sector." Africa's importance for the German market is therefore growing. For example, many machines are produced in Germany that are needed in Africa for both agriculture and the automotive industry. Alhaji Wasiu B. Olaleye, President of the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Ltd. Nigeria, also sees great potential for future cooperation, particularly in the field of agriculture. In the future, Africa will be an important source for global food production.

The renewable energy sector could develop into a strong industry. “It makes sense to produce green energy in Africa and export it to Germany, as it can be produced more cheaply in Africa,” emphasized Kannengießer. Erdem Tunçer, Consul General of Turkey, also signaled great interest in the solar and wind industries. "We expect German companies in these sectors to be highly motivated.

Téhé Léger OUATTARA, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in Germany, was certain that the German economy was also developing a stronger interest in Africa. “The number of German companies involved in Côte d'Ivoire has doubled in the last five years.” However, one challenge is that African countries are very isolated from one another. Travel options between African countries are limited in some cases, and travel within Africa is not possible without a visa, as it is in the EU.

The CCI has been cooperating with African partners for many years. Since 2005, it has been the IHK Competence Center for Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa. The Competence Center Africa was founded in 2019. Within this framework, the IHK offers interested companies advice, information events and materials, as well as support in establishing business contacts with companies throughout Africa.

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Presentation Alhaji Lai Mohammed (nicht barrierefrei, PDF-Datei · 991 KB)