We have a question about Germany as a business location

Mr Blessing, how do you convince ­international investors to opt for Germany? 

“There’s no single argument in favour of Germany, but rather a whole range of facts. Germany is Europe’s largest market and the world’s third-­largest economy. It is also the only G7 country with an AAA rating. With an economy shaped by its strong SME sector, Germany has a broad and resilient industrial base, while also being home to a highly innovative start-up scene. Its research landscape is excellent – particularly when it comes to applied research and research closely linked to industry.

Germany is aware of the challenges it faces and is tackling them. The Federal Government is investing 500 billion euros in infrastructure and a climate and transformation fund. Through the Made for Germany initiative, 133 companies have announced plans to invest more than 800 billion euros in Germany.

What does that mean for foreign investors? A market that is already highly attractive will continue to develop significantly over the coming years and become even more appealing. Com­panies already based here are investing heavily, showing that they believe in the market and the returns it can generate. And that is precisely where foreign investors come in: their capital and commitment are welcome because the state cannot shoulder the necessary investment alone, and ultimately it is businesses that drive the economy forward. Investors themselves – whether financial investors or companies looking to establish operations in Germany – benefit from a market that offers exciting opportunities while also being safe and reliable.”

Ms Madani, why did you found your start-up in Brandenburg rather than Silicon Valley?

“For me, it was less a choice between Brandenburg and Silicon Valley than between a place where starting a company was possible for me and one that was not necessarily accessible to someone with my background. As an Iranian woman, the USA was never the easy option – because of political developments and uncertainty surrounding visas and future prospects. By contrast, Germany gave me the opportunity to study, pursue research and later build a company.

The state of Brandenburg supported us along the way. Funding programmes, universities and the research and start-up ecosystem helped turn an idea into a company. That’s something I’m certainly grateful for.

At the same time, I see challenges: Germany often provides good support for starting a business, but much less for growing one. When companies want to scale up, build laboratories or become internationally competitive, they face funding gaps and processes often take too long.

Even so, I founded CanChip here. Not because Brandenburg is perfect, but because I firmly believe that cutting-edge innovation doesn’t only have to happen in Silicon Valley. Research in Germany is strong – now we need to learn to take growth just as seriously as starting a business.”

Mr Chahil, why will the future of the world be decided in the Munich area? 

“Every time I return to Munich, I am struck again by the extraordinary convergence of ­qualities this city possesses. The engineering depth is formidable. There are generations of accumulated excellence in automotive, industrial technology, optics, medical devices. But what moves me most is the cultural seriousness that accompanies it, all the music, the architecture, the environmental consciousness, the quiet pride in craft and quality.

Munich reminds me, in some ways, of the Silicon Valley I first encountered in the early 1980s, not in style, but in potential. It has all the ingredients that matter – outstanding educational institutions, a skilled and educated workforce, proximity to Europe's industrial heartland, and an emerging appetite for bold thinking.

What I tell my friends in Bavaria is that you do not need to become San Francisco. You only need to become Munich at its fullest potential. Germany's engineering tradition is superb at making things better. The next step is to make things that have never existed. I believe Munich is ready for that step, and I consider it a privilege to be part of the conversation about how to bring it about.”

Ms Winkels, what makes Düsseldorf Europe’s Asia hub?

“Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s most international business locations – and that is precisely what makes the city attractive to investors. Its central location in Europe, international airport and excellent infrastructure provide easy access to customers, partners and markets in the Rhine-Ruhr region and far beyond.

Dynamic industries of the future and business-­related services are key features of Düsseldorf’s business landscape. Its diverse mix of industries provides economic stability, while the high concentration of companies makes Düsseldorf an attractive location for both German and European headquarters. Here, international companies have access to the German market and an established international network.

Düsseldorf is a major destination for foreign direct investment in North Rhine-Westphalia and Europe’s Asia hub, with established business communities from Japan, China, India and Korea. The city also maintains strong links with selected key economic regions, from Asia and the EMEA region to the USA and Canada.”

Mr Kim, what does Germany have to offer investors from Korea? 

“Korea was Germany’s ninth-largest trading partner outside the EU in 2025. More than anything else, Germany offers Korean investors direct access to the EU single market with more than 450 million consumers – an advantage as a business location that few other industrial economies can offer. Germany is a gateway to the EU: many Korean companies have established their European headquarters in the Frankfurt region, including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai and Kia, and they’ve been investing in Germany since the 1980s. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Korean consumer goods have also become increasingly popular, driven by the rise of K-culture. The two BTS concerts in Munich alone attracted around 140,000 people. Korean footballers also make their mark on the Bundesliga, helping to build trust in Korean brands. In a world of geopolitical uncertainty, economic cooperation is becoming increasingly important. For two export-oriented industrial economies, friend-shoring plays a key role. There is particularly strong potential for cooperation in defence and artificial intelligence. I firmly believe that Korea and Germany will continue to deepen their cooperation in these industries of the future.”