Innovative with strong brands “Made in Germany”

In the international arena German companies have an excellent reputation. They represent “Made in Germany”, known as a seal of quality the world over. They represent innovation, quality and cutting-edge technology. Yet the world’s fourth largest economy does not consist solely of global players, but also of many world market leaders who are actually small and medium-sized enterprises, the powerhouse of the German economy. They all benefit from the sound economic conditions, not to mention the excellent qualifications of the workforce. Foreign investors also value this.

Economic output

Germany is the largest economy the European Union (EU) and the fourth largest in the world. With the largest gross domestic product (GDP) and the biggest population in the EU Germany is the most important market in Europe. GDP is EUR 2.644,2 billion (2012)

Structure

Alongside international companies small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the nucleus of the German economy. Around 60% all those in employment work in SMEs

Important sectors

Automobile construction, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemicals, environmental technology, fine mechanics, optics, medical technology, biotechnology and genetic engineering, nano technology, aerospace, logistics

Investment center

Germany is an attractive center for foreign investors. The world’s 500 largest firms have operations in the country, in total around 45,000 foreign companies. In 2012 direct foreign investment stood at US$ 700 billion

Infrastructure

Germany boasts a highly developed infrastructure with dynamic growth. The railroad network is some 42,000 kilometers long, and there are 230,000 kilometers of roads. The country has one of the world’s most modern telephone and communications networks