"The World meets in Giessen": high-profile conference connects global markets

Around 150 international companies and high-ranking representatives from Africa and the BRICS countries attended the two-day forum to exchange ideas on global market opportunities, give company presentations, and network.
(Giessen-Friedberg, May 26, 2025) — "Our goal is to build bridges between continents for companies and strengthen their international business," said Dr. Matthias Leder, CEO of the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the chamber's international B2B conference. The third edition of the event was developed with the help of artificial intelligence. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce organized the matching of potential business partners, customers, and suppliers in advance.
Held under the motto "The World Meets in Giessen," the event brought together around 150 entrepreneurs and experts from countries such as Germany, Nigeria, China, Brazil, and India on Wednesday and Thursday at the Giessen Congress Hall. The event set a new attendance record. Participants from 13 countries attended the conference. The main topics were emerging key industries in African and Indian countries, as well as strategic developments within the BRICS community.
Additionally, high-ranking representatives from Africa and the BRICS countries discussed free trade strategies. Deputy Chinese Consul General Wu Pengfei emphasized China's commitment to free trade and international cooperation. "For our export-oriented companies, promoting economic globalization is a fundamental concern," explained CCI President Rainer Schwarz. This is based on an open, rules-based global economy that ensures the global competitiveness of companies.

World trade is important for global development

In his video message to the international trade conference, former German Minister of Defense Rudolf Scharping underscored the success of world trade since the WTO was founded 30 years ago. Trade volume has increased fivefold during this period, contributing significantly to poverty reduction. "In addition to the impressive increase in global trade, something much more important has been achieved: stability, prosperity, and better opportunities for people. Over the past 30 years, the number of people living in absolute poverty has fallen from two billion to 700 million," he said.
Scharping also called for greater efforts to promote education and stability, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, given current conflicts and the consequences of the pandemic. The increasing regionalization of trade must be countered with reliable global regulations.

Nollywood is number three worldwide

The conference highlighted a wide range of opportunities for local companies on the African continent. For instance, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides access to a single market of over 1.4 billion consumers. Tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade have been significantly reduced. Dele Kelvin Oye, President of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining and Agriculture (NACCIMA), emphasized that Nigeria is particularly suitable for investment and exports to other African countries.
As Africa's fourth-largest economy, Nigeria also has a booming cultural and creative industry. "Nigeria is home to Nollywood, the world's third-largest film industry," Oye explained. The industry encompasses a wide range of creative services, including film, music, fashion, and design. It thus makes a significant contribution to gross domestic product. So far, German companies have primarily invested in the energy sector, focusing on sustainable economic development.

Solutions in India for Local Problems

Consul General B.S. Mubarak emphasized the close ties between Germany and India: "There are over 2,000 German companies represented in India, and over 650 Indian companies in Germany." India is a society in transition. With an average annual growth rate between six and seven percent, India could become the world's third-largest economy by 2027. India is home to one in ten "unicorn start-ups" (start-up companies valued at over one billion U.S. dollars or euros whose shares are not traded on a stock exchange), and over 150,000 start-ups have been founded. Digitalization, digital financial services, green energy, and artificial intelligence are promising sectors for cooperation.
"Digitalization and the shortage of skilled workers are major challenges in Germany. India offers solutions," Mubarak explained. For example, India is the largest source of foreign students. Regarding the digitalization of the Indian economy, the cost of data transmission has decreased by 96 percent. These costs are now among the lowest in the world.

Competence Center for Africa

On May 22, the second day of the conference, the focus was entirely on one-on-one meetings between the participating companies. After a keynote speech by Oliver Wagener from the Agency for Economic and Development Cooperation, companies from Africa, Asia, and North and South America gave industry-related presentations. Simultaneously, matchmaking sessions were held to establish new business relationships.
Since 2019, the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce has offered support in establishing business contacts with companies across the African continent. In partnership with Nigerian organizations, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce is involved in a chamber and association partnership and other projects. The Chamber offers a wide range of services, including individual consulting, information events, and targeted mediation of business contacts with African partner companies. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce is also establishing and maintaining closer ties with Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, India, and China.

Video review: this is what “The World meets in Giessen 2025” was like
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About the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce:
Around 44,000 companies are based in the district of the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Of these, around 1,800 entrepreneurs volunteer on Chamber of Industry and Commerce committees. Further information is available at www.CCI.de/giessen-friedberg.
Stand: 24.06.2025