Optimistic outlook for German business in the Middle East

As a result of a poll among the chambers held each autumn since 1982, the DHIK expects an increase of deliveries close to 12.5% for next year. Saudi-Arabia alone is expected to take up +15% and Iran +24% more goods from Germany.

Apart from increased oil revenues, the DHIK points to the rapid growth of the population in Saudi-Arabia, and, in the case of Iran, to the ease of import regulations as main reasons for this positive development. A high German export growth rate is also anticipated for the United Arab Emirates, which according to the DHIK 'increasingly become the hub for commerce and trade in the entire Region.'

Overtaking Japanese and British exports, German supplies to the UAE have doubled since 1996 and amounted to EUR3.23 billion in 2003, which represents 7.5% of the UAE import market.

BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Audi top-class cars, accounting for close to EUR1 billion of the UAE's imports from Germany in 2003, are a familiar sight in the luxurious streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi these days. Juergen Friedrich, the Delegate of the Germany Economy in Dubai, observes positive trends in other markets, too, notably in the fields of medical technology, high-quality consumer goods, chemical products and hotel & restaurant equipment.

There is also an increasing demand for services by German architects, engineers and other consultants. According to Juergen Friedrich, there are excellent opportunities also in the oil and gas sectors, energy and in the strategically very important education business. Currently, more than 500 German companies are represented in the Emirates.

Arab world meets Bundestag

For the first time, the German Parliament in Berlin has invited some 300 German and Arab politicians, diplomats, businessmen, scientists and cultural and media activists for a dialogue in the Reichstag building in Berlin.

Addressing the opening session of the forum held from 1st to 3rd December 2004, German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said the 'Arab World Days' in Berlin reflected the manifold, intensive relations between Germany and Arab countries.

Germany and its European partners had a fundamental interest in promoting the economic and social development in the Near and Middle East regions. Both the German Chancellor and the General Secretary of the Arab League, Amr Mousa, called for a better understanding and receptiveness of each other's cultures and pleaded for a continuation of the dialogue.