AHK - annual report 2023
What exactly is an AHK?
AHK stands for ‘Chamber of Commerce Abroad’ and is abbreviated based on the name in German, “Auslandshandelskammer”. With over 150 locations in 93 countries across the world, we are your reliable contact partner.
Our AHK network comprises bilateral, independent companies, the chambers of commerce abroad as well as delegations and representative offices of the German economy. We advise, assist and represent German companies both locally and worldwide to help them establish or expand their foreign business. With this aim, the AHKs act as institutions to promote German foreign trade and are subsidised by the German Federal Ministry for Economics and Climate Action (BMWK).
Together with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) in Germany, we form a large network. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) is also part of this network and is responsible for coordinating the AHKs and advancing our network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad. In turn, we draw on the extensive knowledge and information of the DIHK and the IHKs in Germany.
Peter Adrian | President of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK)
Foreword
„The geopolitical tensions harbour the danger of considerably slowing down globalisation. This is all the more true as issues such as climate protection, migration and human rights also highlight political differences right up to conflicts of interest. German companies – whether large, medium-sized or small – are more globally connected than in almost any other country. International political developments, therefore, have a direct impact on both business as well as the overall economy. For this reason, it is more important than ever that the AHKs contribute to build bridges and thus support the international business of our companies.“
Dr. Robert Habeck | Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Foreword
„ Germany is the world’s third-largest exporter of goods, behind China and the United States. Our export industry is of crucial importance for Germany’s economy and for our prosperity. Using a broad range of funding instruments, the German Federal Government helps companies to open up foreign markets and to gain and diversify market shares abroad – diversification being particularly important in these times. Here, the bilateral chambers of industry and commerce have an important role to play. They are familiar with the local conditions, have the expertise in the respective countries and the necessary contacts – and are thus a central pillar of Germany’s foreign trade and investment promotion.“
Dr. Martin Wansleben | CEO of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK)
Foreword
„The current turmoil in the world and the partially very different challenges on-site also have a direct impact on the day-to-day work of the AHKs. I greatly admire the determination with which the German subsidiaries on-site and our teams tackle the daily challenges. In the end, we will only succeed in solving the tasks at hand step by step, both locally and internationally. With the opening of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023, the AHK network is now providing advice and support to German companies in 93 countries. The AHK World Conference in Berlin, which finally took place again after a five-year break due to Covid-19, provided a valuable forum for dialogue and support for German companies in these uncertain times.”