Volker Treier: Let’s create the industry of tomorrow – together!
Containers are piling up in the ports, and companies are worried. The economic consequences of the Russian war in Ukraine and the renewed production and logistics disruptions in China are shaking up global trade. The strongly export-oriented German economy is particularly affected.
The AHK World Business Outlook 2022 shows that companies currently expect a significant deterioration in the economic situation at their respective locations. Of the 4,200 AHK member companies surveyed around the world, 37 percent expect local economic performance to deteriorate – more than twice as many as last fall. Companies currently see rising commodity and energy prices as the main risks to the global economy. In addition, the business community expects a significant change in their transport routes and supply chains.
One bright spot for the German economy, however, is demand from the USA, followed by South and Central America. The investment intentions of German companies in these markets are correspondingly expansive compared with other regions in the world.
The German and European economies must now work together to stabilize and continue the internationalization of the economy. The German economy can count on the strong support of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad in 92 countries worldwide. These support companies with their local know-how in the diversification of supply chains, the international expansion of renewable energy and the development of new markets.
The past two years have shown us that we need to break new ground. New paths to a stable and sustainable future for international business and industry – and certainly with a new focus on new markets…. What platform would be better suited for this task than the Hannover Messe?! This trade fair also directly underlines my concern with its motto this year. And I would like to add how important it is that we approach these future paths agilely and together: Let’s create the industry of tomorrow – together!
I wish you exciting impressions and successful business contacts at this year’s Hannover Messe.
Dr. Volker Treier
DIHK Head of Foreign Trade, Member of the DIHK Executive Board