Economy – Strategic Central Location – Skilled Workforce – Investment Support & Subsidies – Reputation for Quality – Home to Two Third's of World Trade Fairs

With the highest gross national product and the largest population in the European Union, Germany is the most important market in Europe. Accounting for more than a fifth of the European Union’s total GDP, Germany represents Europe’s largest and the world’s fourth largest market.

Germany is also the world’s third largest exporter and whilst is famous for its automobile, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering success, futuristic industries such as eco energy production and nanotechnology are growing in importance.

Some of the keys to the country’s success include highly skilled talent, an important logistical base anchored on excellent rail, road and sea infrastructure, and an excellent investment and tax environment.

Labour Force and Productivity

Germany’s world class education system ensures the highest standards among the labour force. 81% have been trained to university entrance level or possess a vocational qualification, above the OECD average of 67%. Approximately 70% of German blue- and white-collar workers can speak English.

An investor friendly social-market economy promotes stable labour relations. This has led to quality products and one of the highest productivity rates in the world. Combined with steadily decreasing unit labour costs and boosted by social and market reforms these factors make Germany one of Europe’s most cost-effective production locations.

Tax Breaks and Subsidies

Germany has significantly reduced its corporate tax levels. The Federal Government has introduced a raft of reforms to improve the general tax framework and keep indirect labour costs down. The country’s total tax rate as a percentage of profits is lower than in France, Italy and Belgium.

Germany provides further attractive incentives to all investors, which range from cash incentives for the reimbursement of direct investment costs to incentives for labour and research and development (R&D). A federal R&D subsidy law provides subsidies for 25% of salaries and wages for certain R&D purposes, with a limit of 500,000 Euros. Significant incentives exist for the training and employment of personnel.