NEW VOICE AT THE IHK
[EDIT: Aachen, March 10] He pointed out that 2008 was a successful year in Germany for business, for the public sector and for those in employment - who numbered 40 million in Germany. However, Q4 showed a change in direction in the economy and it is clear that 2009 will show a shrinking GDP. His advice to business is to be prepared for the next upswing in the economy. Cooperation in Germany has been exemplary, he noted. Cooperation with the unions had enabled the cost of labor to be reduced by fifteen percent. But employment is still high and the reduction in energy prices is strengthening purchasing power, including consumer purchasing power. All of which reduces the impact of current conditions. Government must create trust and strengthen business and must allow the business community to do business. An electoral period is before us, he said, and voters want secure employment and prospects for the future. But they can only have this when they can move into new markets without red tape. And he continued: work can be done here, we don’t have to wait for the US or Berlin or Düsseldorf. A major issue is to ensure that our logistical infrastructure is in order. An hourly link between Cologne and Aachen is a must, as is regional broadband connectivity. Without these facilities the economy cannot grow. Better communications are being worked on in the various parts of the region and the regional development company AGIT, the Chamber and local government has made it their business to improve communications in the countryside. The Heinsberg district is an example of this, in roads, canals and broadband preparations. The president also made a point of the importance for business of bills being paid on time. Training and qualifications require emphasis and the provision of practical experience for those starting work is important too. The area did very well in this last year with 4800 training contracts. Exports are important and these have grown over the last 20 years from 30 to 35 percent. Of course, high exports make the economy vulnerable too. There are interesting opportunities to be explored with our Limburg neighbors at our joint base in the world trade center on the cross-boarder science and Business Park at Avantis. Tourism is important too, he added. The Vogelsang project in the Eiffel National Park must be developed rapidly as must other. Another crucial factor is the issue of image, and for this reason AGIT, the mayor of Aachen and officials of all levels of government are working on a regional branding program to make the area better known, both nationally and internationally. Economic development must advance and there is and excellent opportunity with the first class sci-tech infrastructure and the international base provided by the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion. Aachen’s RWTH campus is certainly a key project for the whole region. In an area of 560 000 m2, 15 business clusters and research institutes are going to join together. The campus will produce between 5,000 and 7,000 top quality jobs and support the Aachen technology region’s claim to leadership. This is strengthened by the presence of Jülich research center and the Fachhochschule. There are 13 technology and start-up centers in the region, which provides the infrastructure for growth and development. The president pointed out that it was important not to fragment this structure. The international European setting makes this area in Meuse-Rhine very attractive. The president welcomed Mrs. Verhoeven, representing the Limburg Chamber of Commerce in Venlo. SW
Bert Wirtz gave the annual presidential address for the Aachen Chamber at the Euro press at Aachen for the first time this March, having taken over the president’s job on June 16 of the previous year.
The future means dealing with the economic problems that will come, and being ready to move on to the future.