Our Industry in Numbers

• Europe's leading consumer market with 82 million affluent consumers
• Private spending remained stable in 2008 at EUR 1,854 billion
• In 2008 private spending in the leisure and apparel segments grew by 1.8 percent on 2007 levels
• Germany's consumer electronics market grew by 4.3% to 12.3 billion Euro in 2008
• 65.8% of Germans used the internet in 2008 (42.7 million internet users)
• B2C e-commerce turnover was 20 billion Euro in 2008 (equivalent to nine percent annual growth)

"Germany is Europe's prime consumer market and is forecast to double its b2b online trade by 2011."

Richard Offermann, Director Service Industries, Germany Trade & Invest

Market | Industrial Infrastructure

Thanks to a strong consumer market, excellent geographical location with easy access to all European markets, and technological leadership, Germany is an excellent entry point to the European retail market. Thanks to the country's unique "Made in Germany" quality seal, custom-made products enjoy popularity both at home and abroad. Moreover, numerous German companies within the retail value chain have European market networks which make them valuable partners.

We offer an extensive and comprehensive logistics infrastructure that integrates state-of-the-art transportation networks with the most modern IT and telecommunications systems.

Personnel | Incentives | Stable Investment Environment

Germany has a large pool of highly qualified and motivated employees and offers competitive labor costs compared to both Western and Eastern Europe. Innovative contracts in line with the market drawn up with the involved labor agreement parties allow labor cost savings of up to 40 percent.

Germany offers numerous incentives for all investors - regardless of whether they are from Germany or otherwise. There is a large selection of programs designed to support a wide variety of business activities at different stages of the investment process available. Support ranges from cash incentives for the reimbursement of direct investment costs to incentives for labor and research and development (R&D).

Social, economic, and political stability provide a solid base for your corporate projects. Our judiciary and civil services are highly professional. Contractual agreements are secure, and intellectual property is strictly protected in Germany.

Testimonial - YANG Bin / President / COSCO Europe GmbH

"German employees are outstanding. I can say without a doubt that they are the best in Europe. My impression is that German employees are effective, disciplined, and attentive. German workers are very loyal to their company and possess a strong work ethic." YANG Bin / President / COSCO Europe GmbH