0.1 Germany-Your Business Partner

• International companies consider Germany the most attractive place for investment in Europe.

  A survey published by the management consulting firm Ernst & Young at the end of June 2007, revealed that Germany remains the most attractive investment location in Europe. The number of investment projects executed in the country rose about 57 percent within one year. In the view of the international managers, Germany's strength lies in its infrastructure and the well trained work force.

  Among the ten most popular investment locations world-wide, Germany occupies the fourth position behind China, the USA and India.

  A highly developed infrastructure facilitates doing business and supports Germany's integration into the world market. The German railway network is one of the densest in the world and motorways feature more than 12,000 kilometers.

  A number of international airports establish a basis for an excellent domestic interconnection as well as to Europe and the world.

  Germany is becoming a knowledge-driven economy with a strong tertiary sector. Yet, industrial enterprises - large companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises - still play an important role in the German economy. Boasting the title of world champion in exports, the German economy is just as much relying on imports of goods and services as it is depending on export markets for its success. Trade statistics show a steady growth of Germany's foreign trade volume.