ECONOMY STANDS UP TO THE CRISIS

[BIZ: Aachen, January 5]
Although the debt crisis in Europe has determined the political scene for months and the economic development centers have seen a clear fall in figures, businesses in the Aachen region are reporting a good economic situation. There is expected to be slower economic growth in the coming months but these are the results of the most recent questions that the Aachen chamber put to 324 companies who employ 46,500. More than half of the companies reported a good business situation and improved earnings.

Two out of three companies referred to a rise in turnover in the past half year. Business prospects have scarcely changed since the last enquiry. Despite risks, the majority of the businesses are looking to the future with confidence.

In the results the growth of recent years will see a fall-off from the recent dynamism, says chamber boss Jürgen Drewes. Businesses see considerable risks in the development of the home market and in the economic conditions and the development of energy prices,. It remains also to be seen the extent to which European countries will get a hold on the debt crisis. But even if the political signals are not good, business is in a good position for the coming year.

In broad terms the situation of service providers is good. Trade is virtually unchanged in a positive sense, but there is a slight falloff in construction, and business expects improvement. The dynamic of the demand from abroad is weakening, growth in business is expected.
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