‘Made with Germany’: working and benefiting together
Strong partnerships took centre stage at GIZ’s annual reception at the Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft.
International cooperation is a prerequisite for economic development, stability and new opportunities. ‘Our long-standing local presence creates a foundation of knowledge, experience and trust,’ says Chair of the Management Board Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel. ‘“Made with Germany” is a pledge of reliability to our partners.’ He stressed that cooperation is the order of the day – for the world, for Europe and for Germany.
More than 250 guests from various countries, institutions, organisations and companies, as well as from federal ministries and the German Bundestag, accepted the invitation to the main office of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). They included representatives from the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) and companies such as Siemens, Bayer, BMW and SAP. Cooperation with the private sector plays a key role in the partnerships that GIZ has been building for more than half a century.
‘The economic benefits of international cooperation are proven,’ said Schäfer-Gümbel. Every euro invested in cooperation with partner countries brings Germany 36 cents in additional import revenue, which translates to an average of EUR 7.6 billion per year (2013-2023).
Given the current challenges, German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali Radovan said that she is happy ‘to have such a competent and experienced organisation as GIZ at my side. We need your local networks and partnerships.’ During the reception, she announced, ‘We will support the German private sector even more in its engagement in the Global South.’ She emphasised that in the current global situation, Germany needs to broaden its economic relations.
According to Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, partnerships are key in this process. He said that the relentless progress of climate change and increasing conflicts over resources like water and raw materials all have a direct impact on Germany. ‘The answer to these global challenges is more international cooperation, not less.’
In her welcome address, Daria Marchak, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, reported:
'Together with GIZ, we have established a partnership that delivers concrete, visible results. We are forging alliances with the private sector, supporting local businesses, building Ukrainian-German business partnerships and modernising public institutions.'
