Globalisation, International Markets and Trade
So far, Germany has clearly benefited from globalisation; exports have doubled over the last ten years. Nearly every second euro in turnover comes from abroad. German enterprises have invested more than €810 billion abroad. During the economic downturn, Germany also relies on continued investments from abroad, as foreign investorshold nearly €440 billion in investments in Germany that directly secure more than two million jobs.
The BDI iscommitted to making sure Germany remains one of the most attractive investment locations in Europe. In difficult economic times the global economy needs clear signals against the threat of increasing protectionism. German industry is therefore urging for a speedy conclusion to the World Trade Organization’s Doha round. The USA is the largest market for German products outside of the EU and attracts the highest level of German investment. Further integration of the transatlantic economic area has the potential to boost growth by nearly three percenton both sides of the Atlantic.
The German business community will continue to increaseits activities in emerging markets such as Brazil, China, India, Russia and the ASEAN countries. Cooperation in the energy, infrastructure, healthcare, innovation and financing sectors will be expanded on the basis of equal partnership. An important platform for international cooperation is the G8 Business Summit initiated by the BDI, which is committed to finding concrete measures for stabilising the economy and promoting growth.
