Study on foreign investments in Germany published

Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the federal agency for export business assistance and site marketing, published the study "FDI-Geberländer im Vergleich" (Comparison of FDI donor countries). This is the first global study looking into the reasons why foreign businesses choose to invest in Germany. The study presents the international orientation of the respective foreign economy, whether certain industries are favoured and where specific potential may exist for investments in Germany for 23 countries.

The German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Sigmar Gabriel: "The study 'FDI-Geberländer im Vergleich' shows that the Federal Republic of Germany is a highly attractive site for investors worldwide. The combination of our economy - characterised by medium-sized businesses, yet global in its outlook -, a well-trained skilled labour force, the outstanding research landscape and a well-developed infrastructure makes Germany so attractive for foreign investors. Our promotion of foreign investments is also important for the German employment market: more than three million jobs have been generated in Germany thanks to investments from abroad."

Benno Bunse, Managing Director of Germany Trade & Invest: "With regards to countries that are as distinct as Japan, Russia and Australia, it is natural that the results should differ greatly. Yet at the same time it is obvious that certain characteristics still presently make Germany unique as a site for investment. What is important is to know where the focus of investors lies and where large potential still remains untapped. For example, Germany occupies fourth rank in the list of target countries of US American investors. Yet it ranks first in the field of foreign investments in research and development. So this is where the US companies' special interest lies. In turn, the exciting thing about France is that it aims at promoting the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). So this is where great potential currently emerges, which can become important for our investment recruiters."


Source: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, bmwi.bund.de, revised by iMOVE, February 2014