China 2015: Current outlook for German companies

"China 2015" was the subject of an expert conference hosted by DEG in Gelsenkirchen on 21 May.

Around 40 participating experts discussed opportunities and challenges for German companies investing in China. Manuela Marques, head of DEG's division German Corporates/Special Programmes, opened the conference and provided an overview of the current state of economic relations between Germany and China. Representatives of German SMEs, including the Baden-Württemberg-based Ernst Umformtechnik GmbH, a manufacturer of components for heatings and automotive safety, and Gentherm, specialised in thermal management, reported on their experiences gained in China.

The conference allowed for a confidential and open exchange of views in an exclusive circle among the participating entrepreneurs.

Since 1962, DEG has been accompanying German SMEs on their way to developing and emerging-market countries. In 2014, it provided them with 253 million euros for investment finance. On the whole, DEG supported some 100 German companies with its financings and promotional programmes in 2014. DEG is represented in China by a representative office in Beijing. In Asia, it furthermore has a local presence in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and India.