BWA Deutschland

"Gemeinsam Brücken bauen" - Der Vorstandsvorsitzende des BWA, Michael Schumann, über 20 Jahre BWA, Wirtschaftsdiplomatie, den Aufstieg Chinas und die Unsinnigkeit von Sanktionen #BWA #Deutschland #Wirtschaft #Aussenwirtschaft #Diplomatie #China #Sanktionen

It was an unusual encounter last Saturday at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where our Chairman Michael Schumann met with Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce. Germany and Afghanistan are linked by a long-standing relationship spanning more than a century. For decades, Germany was an important partner in Afghanistan’s modernization; after 2001, it also became a key actor in reconstruction. Today, little remains of this engagement - despite the fact that well over 400,000 Afghans live in Germany and maintain ties to their country of origin. The reality in Afghanistan is challenging: more than 20 million people depend on humanitarian assistance, the economy is fragile, the banking system constrained, and investment scarce. For understandable reasons, Germany has largely withdrawn politically and now focuses on humanitarian aid delivered through international organizations. But is that enough to sustainably improve living conditions on the ground? Humanitarian assistance alleviates hardship, but only economic development creates lasting prospects. At the same time, other countries are pursuing a more pragmatic approach. China is cautiously yet deliberately engaging in infrastructure and resource projects, while Uzbekistan is systematically expanding economic cooperation. Initiatives such as the planned Trans-Afghan railway highlight the region’s tangible potential. We should not ignore these developments. Viewing Afghanistan solely through the lens of security or migration falls short. Identifying economic projects that remain feasible even under difficult conditions - and that directly benefit the population - places people at the center and demonstrates responsibility. Germany has the experience, the capabilities, and a unique historical connection to make a constructive contribution. It is in our own best interest to seriously reassess these opportunities. #BWA #Germany #Afghanistan #Development #Migration #Stability #AntalyaDiplomacyForum #ADF2026 #Meet4Diplomacy

Am 28. April 2026 kommt der Female Leadership Circle des BWA Global Economic Network nach #Frankfurt und setzt seine inspirierende Veranstaltungsreihe „Spark & Share“ in einem neuen regionalen Kontext fort. Der Impuls von Dr. Nina Mohadjer, LL.M. verspricht in diesem Zusammenhang eine reflektierte Annäherung an die Frage, wie Diversität nicht nur als Herausforderung, sondern als intellektuelle und strategische Ressource begriffen werden kann. Als Honorary Advisor zur UN Agenda 2030 (SDG 5 - Gender Equality) verbindet sie strategische Expertise mit einem tiefen Verständnis moderner, transnationaler Leadership-Realitäten. Interessierte Gäste sind herzlich eingeladen, Teil dieses besonderen Dialogformats zu werden: bit.ly/4sCElhS #BWA #Deutschland #Leadership #GenderEquality #Diversity #WomenInBusiness #FemaleLeadershipCircle #Networking

#Uganda Targets European #Tourism Market with New Agreements Signed in Berlin ugdiplomat.com/uganda-targets… #BWA

Glücksspielregulierung neu denken: Gestern in Düsseldorf beleuchteten wir Spannungsfelder zwischen EU-Recht, nationaler Politik & Bürgerrechten. Mehr Kohärenz & Verhältnismäßigkeit statt pauschaler Beschränkungen nötig! bit.ly/4sJx0gT

Economic networks build bridges. The BWA welcomed a delegation of the Leadership Academy of @MCC_Budapest in Berlin for an exchange on economic diplomacy and Europe’s role in a changing, multipolar world. Dialogue and cooperation remain key.

#BWA-Präsident Michael Schumann würdigt Chinas Ansatz zu nationaler und globaler Verwaltung #redian #guancha #GlobalGovernance #Wirtschaft #zhognde german.cgtn.com/2026/03/11/ART…

Wie sollte Glücksspiel in Europa künftig reguliert werden? Der BWA lädt zu einer Fachveranstaltung über nationale Handlungsspielräume und einen kohärenten europäischen Ordnungsrahmen ein: 10. März 2026, Wirtschaftsclub Düsseldorf. Anmeldung unter: bit.ly/3ORArmN #BWA #Deutschland #Europa #Glücksspiel #Regulierung #PublicPolicy #Düsseldorf

Ahead of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to China, Michael Schumann, chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, shared his expectations for economic and trade cooperation between China and Germany. #ChinaGermany

Rumen Radew trat im Januar als Staatschef Bulgariens zurück, nun will er Ministerpräsident werden. Wir haben mit ihm über Deutschlands Wirtschaftskrise, Rheinmetall und den Ukraine-Krieg gesprochen. #Echobox=1771690052" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesell…

If you attended our New Year Reception in Berlin last Sunday, you met us at a very Chinese time in our lives - as Chinese baijiu producer #Wuliangye joined us as a premium partner for this year’s event. Judging by their reactions, our guests clearly enjoyed the taste. Ganbei - and Xin nian kuai le!

BWA New Year Reception 2026 with former President of Bulgaria, H.E. Dr. Rumen Radev

An inspiring start to 2026: Last Sunday, we once again had the pleasure of welcoming around 300 guests from business, diplomacy and politics to our New Year’s Reception at the NIO House in Berlin. At a time of growing political uncertainty and upheaval, it was a strong signal that so many members and friends of the BWA Global Economic Network came together to deepen dialogue and initiate new forms of cooperation. In his opening remarks, BWA Chairman Michael Schumann addressed the responsibility of the business community in times of uncertainty. Since its founding, the BWA has understood economic cooperation as diplomacy in practice - as bridge-building between people, markets and regions. Economic activity unfolds its true potential when it is human-centered - when it improves living conditions, enables dignity and creates new prospects for families, communities and future generations. Where economic development becomes tangible in people’s everyday lives, it turns into a source of stability and trust. Cooperation then ceases to be merely an economic principle and becomes a contribution to human security, social cohesion and the preservation of peace. This was followed by the keynote of our guest of honour, the former Bulgarian President and likely future Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Dr. Rumen Radev. In light of the Munich Security Conference that had just concluded, he outlined the strategic challenges facing Europe in an increasingly fragile world order and at the same time highlighted Bulgaria’s special role as a bridge between East and West - economically as well as culturally. His analysis was clear and realistic, yet grounded in the conviction that dialogue and economic connectivity remain essential instruments of stability. The afternoon was marked by intensive conversations, new encounters and a palpable willingness to cooperate. Our sincere thanks go to all our members, guests, partners, friends and sponsors who once again made this start to the year a vibrant forum for exchange. #BWA #GlobalEconomicNetwork #NewYearReception #EconomicDiplomacy #Geopolitics #Europe #Germany #Bulgaria #Dialogue #Cooperation #Dignity #Hope

Michael Schumann board member of the Germany Federation Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade speaks at the ongoing @FRUITLOGISTICA in Berlin, Germany. 📹: @kudzie_sharara

@ambatgallemagne a organisé, le 6/02/2026, en collaboration avec le @BWA_Vorstand, une rencontre virtuelle de haut niveau autour du thème : « Attirer davantage les investissements étrangers allemands au Togo : stratégies et opportunités ». Lire plus 👇🏿 ambatogoberlin.de/renforcer-latt…

The latest Reuters analysis on German investments in China confirms a development we have been pointing to for quite some time: German companies are not “withdrawing” from China. With investments exceeding €7 billion between January and November 2025, German FDI in China has reached a four-year high, up more than 55% compared to 2023/24. At the same time, German investments in the United States were nearly halved in the first year of Trump’s second term. Companies invest where markets are large, supply chains are resilient, partners are predictable and growth prospects remain tangible. In an environment shaped by trade conflicts, tariffs and political volatility, firms are clearly reassessing risks - and acting accordingly. For many German companies, China remains an indispensable market, innovation partner and production hub. Responsible corporate strategy follows reality, not headlines. bit.ly/4ai8f4M

Neue Märkte, neue Partnerschaften - Usbekistan trifft Düsseldorf. Am 21. Januar 2026 begrüßen wir in Düsseldorf eine hochrangige Unternehmerdelegation aus Usbekistan unter der Leitung des Gouverneurs der Region Kashkadarya, Herrn Murotjon Azimov. Im Industrie-Club Düsseldorf laden wir zu einem Wirtschafts- und Kooperationsdialog ein, der konkrete Anknüpfungspunkte für Investitionen, industrielle Zusammenarbeit und Fachkräftepartnerschaften eröffnet. Kashkadarya zählt zu den dynamischsten Wirtschaftsregionen Usbekistans und verfügt über starke Potenziale in Chemie, Energie, Bauwirtschaft und Landwirtschaft sowie über eine wachsende IT- und Bildungslandschaft. Ein besonderer Fokus der Veranstaltung liegt auf direkten Gesprächen mit politischen und wirtschaftlichen Entscheidungsträgern, Präsentationen usbekischer Unternehmen und Matchmaking zu konkreten Kooperations- und Investitionsprojekten. Die Teilnahme ist kostenfrei, die Plätze sind begrenzt, eine Anmeldung bis zum 19. Januar 2026 wird empfohlen: bit.ly/4pDHGLV #BWA #Deutschland #Usbekistan #Kashkadarya #Düsseldorf #Wirtschaftsdiplomatie #Industrie #Mittelstand #Fachkräfte @BotschaftU

„In our time, the weakness of #multilateralism is a particular cause for concern at the international level. A #diplomacy that promotes #dialogue and seeks #consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on #force, by either individuals or groups of allies. #War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading. The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined. #Peace is no longer sought as a gift and a desirable good in itself, or in the pursuit of “the establishment of the ordered universe willed by God, with a more perfect form of #justice among men and women.” Instead, peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting one’s own dominion. This gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence.” Pope Leo XIV’s Address to the Diplomatic Corps January 9, 2026 #PeacefulCoexistence

BWA Welcomes EU Agreement on the Mercosur Free Trade Deal The German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA) expressly welcomes the agreement among EU member states to conclude the free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay as an important step for European foreign trade and for Europe’s strategic positioning in an increasingly fragmented global economy. After more than two decades of negotiations, the path is now clear for the signing of one of the world’s largest free trade agreements. The agreement will create a free trade zone encompassing more than 700 million people and open up new opportunities for European companies in Latin America – particularly in the fields of industry, mechanical engineering, energy, agricultural technology and services. The BWA views this agreement not only as an economic policy milestone, but also as a geopolitical one. For more than two decades, the association has actively supported economic relations with the Mercosur countries through its economic diplomacy activities. During this time, resilient networks, institutional partnerships and direct business contacts have been established, from which BWA member companies can now benefit in a particularly tangible way. Michael Schumann, Chairman of the Board of the BWA, commented: „The Mercosur agreement is more than a trade deal – it is a signal that Europe remains capable of cooperation, openness and rules-based partnership even in times of geopolitical tension.” Schumann also emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement for Europe’s global role: „Europe needs economic alliances beyond traditional power blocs. Mercosur is a partner on equal footing. This agreement strengthens Europe’s capacity to act, its diversification, and its political credibility in a multipolar world order.” Referring to the association’s own work, Schumann added: „Over many years, the BWA has built relationships of trust with the Mercosur countries. As a result, our member companies today benefit from established networks, market access and institutional contacts that now provide them with a genuine strategic advantage.” The BWA underlines that the upcoming phase of ratification and implementation will be decisive. Both economic opportunities and social, environmental and agricultural interests must be taken into balanced consideration. „Free trade is not an end in itself, but an instrument for stability, prosperity and partnership-based development. What matters now is that Europe continues on this path consistently, credibly and strategically,” Schumann concluded. #BWA #Germany #EU #Europe #Mercosur #LatinAmerica #Argentina #Brazil #Paraguay #Uruguay

Zum Jahresausklang wünschen wir Ihnen besinnliche Feiertage und ein gesundes, erfolgreiches neues Jahr 2026. Möge das kommende Jahr Ihnen persönliche Zuversicht schenken und zugleich zu Frieden, Stabilität und Prosperität in einer zunehmend fragilen Welt beitragen. #BWA #GlobalEconomicNetwork #SeasonGreetings #HappyNewYear