Our Chambers of Commerce Abroad and delegations of the German economy around the world provide us with a wide-ranging network of passionate experts. This is a great platform on which to build, because the AHK staff deliver high-quality and reliable advice and support for German companies engaging in foreign trade and investment.
Particularly in difficult geopolitical times, the AHKs are making an important contribution towards the resilience of our trade and supply relationships, maintaining our economic security, and boosting the competitiveness of our exporting companies in general.
The Federal Government will continue to strengthen its support for the promotion of foreign trade and investment in other countries.
The year 2024 was marked by geopolitical tensions and structural upheavals. Risks materialised, and opportunities often failed to come to fruition.
Our surveys show that German businesses are increasingly confronted with international trade barriers, which is also dampening export expectations. In addition to challenges in foreign markets, obstacles are also increasing within Germany and Europe: excessive reporting requirements, lengthy approval procedures, and other bureaucracy issues.
For us, this means one thing in particular: we must advocate for the interests of the German economy and support companies in seizing the opportunities that do exist — both in Germany and around the world. We do this through the network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), which operate as service providers and networkers in over 90 countries worldwide.
We are proud of the strong AHK network. Established over 130 years ago, it continues to be one of the strongest assets of Germany's foreign trade promotion.
Regional Conferences of German Business
18TH ASIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE WITH CHANCELLOR SCHOLZ AND PRIME MINISTER MODI
Strategic Political Cooperation Fuels Business Growth
round 800 representatives from business and politics gathered in New Delhi from 24th to 26th October 2024 for the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK). The conference was jointly presided over by Federal Minister Robert Habeck and Roland Busch, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA). The largest German business conference in the region focused on key topics such as resilient supply chains, geoeconomics, artificial intelligence, sustainable finance, and raw materials.
5TH GERMAN-AFRICAN BUSINESS SUMMIT
High Demand for Business Dialogue
More than 900 delegates from Germany and over 30 African countries took part in the German-African Business Summit (GABS) in Nairobi from 2nd to 4th December 2024. The summit focused on trade and investment projects in Africa. The conference was opened by Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, Kenyan Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, and SAFRI Chair Thomas Schäfer. The diversity of the African continent was reflected in the wide range of formats and topics covered — from energy and raw materials to skilled labour and start-ups.
Trade Barriers Slow Down International Business
Once a year, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) conduct a survey among internationally active companies in Germany. Nearly 2,400 companies took part in February 2024. The result: 61 percent of companies reported an increase in trade barriers — the highest figure since the survey began.
GTAI & AHKs: Partners in Foreign Trade Promotion
Through their close cooperation, the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) and Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) provide a coordinated and complementary range of advisory and support services for internationally oriented German companies as well as potential foreign investors. While GTAI provides in-depth analyses and up-to-date economic data to promote Germany as an investment location, the AHKs offer practical, hands-on advice on establishing and expanding international business operations at 150 locations worldwide.
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This long-standing partnership combines strategic analytical expertise with local market knowledge. The AHKs draw on GTAI's data and assessments, while GTAI benefits from the AHKs' direct proximity to companies in the respective markets.
German Chambers Abroad in 2024 — Key Figures
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45,300
MEMBERSHIPS
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232,600
Business enquieries
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150
LOCATIONS
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7,600
EVENTS
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147 Million
TURNOVER
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90
COUNTRIES
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2,300
AHK-EMPLOYEES