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Page 1: MARKET GUIDE GERMANY - NZTE · Food and beverage. Germany is Europe’s largest food producer. Its food and beverage industry is the fourth-largest . industry sector in Germany, with

MARKET GUIDEGERMANY

KNOW HOW

Page 2: MARKET GUIDE GERMANY - NZTE · Food and beverage. Germany is Europe’s largest food producer. Its food and beverage industry is the fourth-largest . industry sector in Germany, with

Germany Market Guide 1

About Germany

Germany is the political and economic leader of Europe.

It owes much of its present success to trade: It is the third largest exporter in the world (behind China and the United States) – US$1,448 billion worth of exports in 2017 – and the third-largest importer (behind the United States and China) – US$1,061 billion in 2017. The United States was Germany’s largest export destination in 2017, followed by France and China.

Germany has a highly skilled workforce and a solid infrastructure. It is highly industrialised and

diverse; with equal focus placed on services and production.

Germany is widely considered to be the economic stabilising force in the Eurozone. It makes up 29 percent of the Eurozone’s GDP.

Germany is Europe’s largest economy and the second most populated European nation after Russia. This means it has considerable influence, and it affects New Zealand’s economic and trade interests. With a population of 82 million people, who enjoy a high standard of living, Germany is a well-paid but price-conscious market.

Germany is New Zealand’s sixth-largest trading partner. It has a total bilateral goods trade valued at NZ$3.26 billion (year ending June 2016). With New Zealand importing over 78 percent (NZ$2.5 billion) of the total trade, the balance is in Germany’s favour. New Zealand imports from Germany are mainly vehicles and machinery.

German Trade and Invest has a helpful guide on how to invest in Germany and establish a company there.

Germany is a leader in many areas. It’s Europe’s most industrialised and populated country, recognised for its stable economy, its technological achievements and its key industries such as health care and motor vehicles. It has a rich cultural history and is well known for its many famous composers, philosophers and poets. This diverse background presents significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters.

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Germany Market Guide 2

QUICK FACTS AND TRADE AGREEMENTS 3

BUSINESS CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE 7

NZTE / EMBASSY CONTACT DETAILS 20

OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSES 4

TRADE SHOWS AND INDUSTRY EXHIBITIONS 16

Food and beverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

High-value consumer products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ICT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Renewable energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Marine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Health care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Investment into Germany. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

SETTING UP OPERATIONS AND ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS 17

Customs and import regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

TRAVEL AND VISITING GERMANY 8

Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Gratuities and tipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Public holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Safety and security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Medical services and hospitals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

GUIDE TO MAJOR HUBS IN THE MARKET 10

Berlin and Brandenberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Cologne and Düsseldorf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Frankfurt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Hamburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Munich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Contents

RESOURCES AND CONTACTS 18

Local government directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Industry associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Other useful websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Local news and online media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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Germany Market Guide 3

GDP: US$3,467 billion (2016)

GDP per capita (PPP): US$50,425 (2017)

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Official languages: German

World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking (2018): 20 of 190 (NZ ranked 1 of 190)

Corruption Perceptions Index ranking (2017): 12 of 176 (NZ ranked 1 of 176)

Value of NZ exports: US$472.07 million (2016) New Zealand’s 15th largest market in 2016

Land area: 348,672 sq km

Population: 82.8 million (2017)

Density: 233.6 people/km2

Quick factsGermany is:• a federal republic and a founder state

of the European Union

• the political and economic leader of Europe

• a market with a highly skilled workforce, stable infrastructure and diverse industries

• a global leader in several industrial and technological sectors

• a country with the biggest healthcare system in Europe

• the world’s leading exporter for confectionery, cheese and agricultural engineering.

Trade AgreementsIf you are a goods exporter, visit the European Union Trade Market Access database to find out the applicable tariff rates for Germany’s HS codes, document and shipping requirements.

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Germany Market Guide 4

Opportunities for New Zealand businessesGermany presents many opportunities for New Zealand exporters.

Food and beverageGermany is Europe’s largest food producer. Its food and beverage industry is the fourth-largest industry sector in Germany, with many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Germany is home to major national and international players, including the Dr. Oetker Group, Südzucker, Arla, Mondelēz Deutschland, Nestlé, Cargill and many more.

“Made in Germany” stands for innovation, quality and safety. The well-known quality of German products is strengthened by quality assurance systems across all stages of production. The German food industry is particularly competitive in foreign markets with its high-quality processed products (with high value added). Germany is the world’s leading exporter of confectionery, cheese and agricultural engineering and Europe’s leading exporter for pig meat.

NZ$320 million of the NZ$649 million of New Zealand’s exports to Germany (2015) are food and beverage; 80 percent is meat (lamb, venison), and about 10 percent are dairy products. Fish, vegetables, fruit and wine make up the remaining food and beverage exports.

Wine consumption in Germany is around 25 litres per person a year. Although the country is a significant wine producer itself, around 50 percent (in volume) of the overall market is imported. Most imports come from Italy, France and Spain, but the market share of New World wines is growing, and New Zealand’s market share (although only 0.7 percent) showed the strongest growth (of 25 percent) over the past five years.

German Trade and Invest website has detailed information on the food and beverage industry.

High-value consumer productsNew Zealand is seen positively in Germany, especially in terms nature and the environment. New Zealand is also seen as a success in its marketing activities. As a result, a number of New Zealand manufacturers of high-value consumer goods received good brand recognition in Germany. These include outdoor clothing, children’s clothing and buggies, and natural cosmetics.

There is a growing number of German consumers who are happy to pay higher prices for high-quality products that are manufactured

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Germany Market Guide 5

sustainably and offer something different from mainstream products. For New Zealand companies that know how to emphasise these strengths, there are significant opportunities in the German market.

Although there has been substantial growth between 2011 and 2016, per-capita spend on luxury goods by Germans is still below the West European average. However, growth within the luxury goods sector in Germany is expected to grow until 2020.

Information and communication technology (ICT)Germany is Europe’s second largest ICT market (20 percent), with a turnover of EUR 161.3 billion in 2017 making it the fifth largest ICT market in the world. ICT plays a significant role in maintaining Germany’s production strength and export leadership.

Germany is the single largest software market in Europe. The country makes up 24.4 percent of the European software market by value, with the United Kingdom and France in distant second and third places (18.6 and 13.6 percent respectively). The country’s economic and industrial landscape is led by Mittelstand – this is a diverse group of highly specialised SMEs. This group is also driving

demand for software solutions, which is creating a significant customer base. Expert suppliers of industry-specific software products and services have the greatest potential.

Germany has set itself the goal of being number one in Europe in terms of digital growth and has developed a digital hub initiative to encourage collaboration between companies and start-ups in an effort to increase innovation (www.de.digital). The new digital economy is in particular impacting on Germany’s traditionally strong manufacturing sector and creating opportunities for innovative start-ups and SME service providers in the areas of artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain and cloud computing services. Germany is an important FinTech market in Europe with the cities of Berlin and Frankfurt being home to Germany’s main FinTech hubs. Investment in German start-ups was by far the most significant in e-Commerce (EU1,8 billion) followed by Fintech (EU541 million) and Healthcare (EU522 million).

German Trade and Invest website has detailed information on the ICT sector.

Renewable energyGermany leads Europe in the development and distribution of renewable energy technology and energy-efficiency technologies. Policy tools like feed-in tariff for electricity and biogas were invented in Germany and are now being used around the world.

In 2014, for the first time ever, wind, biogas and solar combined made up a larger portion of Germany’s electricity production than brown coal. In 2017, Germany had 36 percent renewable electricity. Germany has been called ‘the world’s first major renewable energy economy’.

One of the world’s largest manufacturers of wind turbines, Siemens, built the first substantial wind parks in New Zealand (West Wind, outside Wellington). The company uses the extreme wind conditions along the Cook Strait to test its turbines.

SECTION 3SECTION 2 OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSES

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Germany Market Guide 6

MarineGermany is among the top five countries in Europe in the recreational marine industry. The largest builders of mega yachts are German companies (e.g. Lürssen, Nobiskrug) and Germany is home to two of the largest sailboat builders in the world (Hanse Yachts and Bavaria Yachts).

Many New Zealand manufacturers of boat equipment supply boat builders or equipment distributors in Germany. There are good opportunities for New Zealand to export marine products to Germany, as the country hosts several distribution businesses and a very high number of smaller boat building businesses.

HealthcareGermany has the biggest healthcare system in Europe, with 5.5 million employees and total health care spending of €357 billion in 2016 (11.3 percent of GDP) and is Europe’s largest market for medical devices and the world’s third largest behind the United States and Japan, accounting for roughly €30 billion annually. The “out-of-pocket market” (not covered by health insurance) is worth around €60 billion.

Germany’s health care sector is a highly attractive market with considerable growth potential for New Zealand companies – but it is also very competitive and complex. Key trends include an aging domestic population with the over-65 population increasing to 24 million by 2035 (important future consumer community); increase in chronic diseases; growing health and fitness awareness; mobile health (medical applications and “apps” that connect to medical devices and sensors (such as bracelets or watches) or act as personal guidance systems, health information services, and medication reminders) and monitoring with wearable devices.

The Commonwealth Fund have a useful report on Germany’s health care system.

InvestmentAs at March 2017, total foreign direct investment (FDI) stocks from Germany into New Zealand was NZ$4,352 million, which is around 2.35 percent of total FDI in New Zealand. Germany represents the second-largest European investor in New Zealand behind the United Kingdom.

Investment into GermanyThe German Trade and Invest website contains comprehensive information on how to invest in Germany and how to establish a company there.

SECTION 3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSESSECTION 2

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Germany Market Guide 7

General culture New Zealanders have a positive reputation among Germans as friendly, uncomplicated people. However, being mindful of some cultural points can help avoid misunderstandings.

LanguageDon’t assume everyone will speak fluent English. Most people operating in international business will speak English, but retailers may not. Using any German, even a basic expression of courtesy, will be appreciated.

Making appointmentsAppointments need to be organised at least four to six weeks in advance. Punctuality is extremely important.

MeetingsDon’t expect to close a deal during the first visit. German companies generally want time to consider and respond to an opportunity.

It is important to focus on building and maintaining a good working relationship. Regular visits to the market help build their trust.

Product presentationGerman partners appreciate a factual description of the product and a clear explanation of how the

product will benefit them. They expect claims to be proven, and case studies and references are helpful.

CommunicationGerman companies expect prompt replies to business correspondence. Germans are direct communicators and will openly express any concerns. For example, they will be direct and will expect a clear reply if they have an issue with a product.

Dress codeThe dress code is formal in the German business world. A casual but smart dress code is expected for any leisure activities involving business partners. Jeans, shorts or sneakers are not acceptable.

EntertainingEntertaining is commonly used to build and maintain business relationships. Alcohol should be handled carefully. Many German companies now have an alcohol-free policy for lunch appointments, but business dinners with alcohol are common – in fact, they’re often seen as an important way to create closer relationships.

For correspondence or at official events, people address each other formally, usually by their last name.

Business culture and etiquette

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Germany Market Guide 8

AccommodationMajor hotel chains, such as NH, Accor, Novotel and Holiday Inn, are all in Germany. Travel times in cities can be difficult to judge, so it’s best to book accommodation close to your meeting venue. Make sure you check if you are making a confirmed booking (this depends on the hotel and the availability of rooms).

Accommodation in Germany can be more expensive than in New Zealand. It is usual to spend €80 to €110 per night for a hotel room, so make sure you budget for this.

Popular booking sites are:

Booking.com

HRS

Expedia

Trivago (compares prices of different booking websites such as booking.com and HRS).

TransportGermany has an excellent infrastructure with motorways (autobahn), trains and flights between all main centres.

The most efficient way to travel in Germany is generally by train. You can check connections, book tickets and reserve seats online at www.bahn.de (use the drop-down menu to select

‘Germany’ for the English website). Cheaper tickets are often available if you book at least four days in advance.

Gratuities and tippingTipping is common practice in Germany, but mainly in bars and restaurants and when paying for taxis. The guideline is to add 5 to 10 percent to the total amount, generally ‘rounding up’ to the next 50 cents or Euro.

Public holidaysIt is best to avoid conducting business during July and August, as this is Germany’s summer holiday period, and many people take extended leave.

Visits to the food and beverage sector are not advisable in December as the Christmas trade is busy and appointments are difficult to organise. The Christmas break is relatively short, and most people are back to work during the first week of January.

Also, it’s best to avoid making appointments on Friday afternoons as some offices close at around 2pm or 3pm.

Travel and visiting Germany

Visas and immigration The German Embassy in Wellington has all information regarding visas and immigration.

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Germany Market Guide 9

Safety and securityVisit the Safe Travel website for the latest travel updates. New Zealanders in Germany are strongly encouraged to register their details on Safe Travel.

Medical services and hospitals The emergency numbers in Germany are ‘110’ (police) and ‘112’ (fire brigade and ambulance). You can dial free of charge from any public call box; however, you can’t call ‘112’ with a phone that doesn’t have a SIM card. If you’re in an emergency on a major road (motorway, highway, secondary road), look for the white kilometre stones or posts by the side of the road for arrows pointing in the direction of the nearest emergency telephone.

If you need urgent medical treatment at night or at the weekend, go to Notaufnahme (Accident and Emergency) in the nearest hospital or call an emergency doctor (notarzt).

Hospitals in Germany aren’t cheap. All fees must be paid for either by you or your insurance company. Even in the case of an emergency, there is no such thing as ‘free treatment’. If it is your decision to go into hospital, check your cover with your insurance company.

Deutsches Krankenhausverszeichnis provides listings of all hospitals in Germany.

Pharmacies (Apotheken)For medication, you can visit any local pharmacy. If you urgently need medication after hours, the pharmacy emergency section (Apotheken-Notdienst) in local newspapers gives the addresses of the pharmacies that are open outside normal hours.

Pharmacies on emergency duty are open all day and all night – you just need to ring a bell for attention. Extra fees are charged for after-hours service.

SECTION 3SECTION 4 TRAVEL AND VISITING GERMANY

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Germany Market Guide 10

Berlin and BrandenburgBerlin-Brandenburg is Germany’s political and economic decision-making centre. Parliament, the German Government, permanent representations of the German federal states, embassies and leading associations in business and science are based here.

Berlin in numbers:3.5 million residents (2.5 million in the Brandenburg region) in an area of 892 square kilometres

GDP per inhabitant (Berlin): €36,798 (2016)

Unemployment rate: 9.6 percent (2016)

Transport

Berlin has two airports – Berlin Tegel (NW) and Berlin Schönefeld (SE). Both are close to the city and well connected by public transport or taxis.

The tube (underground), bus and tram systems in Berlin are very good, and you can basically get anywhere by public transport. BVG has all maps of the system and a journey planner.

Just remember that it might take an hour to get from one side of Berlin to the other.

Guide to major hubs in Germany

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Germany Market Guide 11

AccommodationThe choice of hotels in Berlin is endless. The city is very large, so check where your meeting will take place and book a hotel nearby. The most used booking platforms are www.booking.com and www.hrs.de. Make sure you check if you are making a confirmed booking or not (this depends on the hotels and the availability of rooms).

Some hotels recommended by the New Zealand Embassy:

Hotel Address Telephone Website

Adina Hotels (Checkpoint Charlie, Hackescher Markt oder Hauptbahnhof)

Krausenstraße 35–36 10117 Berlin

+49 30 200 7670 www.adina.eu

Melia (Berlin-Mitte) Friedrichstraße 103 Berlin

+49 30 2060 7900

www.melia.com

Mercure Mollstraße 4 Berlin

+49 30 275 7270 www.mercure.com

NH Hotels Berlin-Mitte und Friedrichstraße

Friedrichstraße 96 10117 Berlin

+49 30 206 2660 www.nh-hotels.de

Winter’s Hotel (Gendarmenmarkt) Charlottenstraße 66 10117 Berlin

+49 30 206 0500 www.winters.de/en/

Business and scienceBerlin is one of the most active research hubs in Europe with plenty of educational institutes, technology centres and business incubators, as well as over 100 non-university research institutes like Fraunhofer, Max Planck Society and

Helmholtz. Berlin-Sciences has more detailed information.

The main business groups in Berlin are life sciences and health care, energy technology, transport and logistics, ICT and creative and

SECTION 3SECTION 5 GUIDE TO MAJOR HUBS IN GERMANY

photonics. In Brandenburg, there are many industries, including plastics and chemical, metal, food industry and tourism.

Many of the Fortune 500 companies based in Germany have an office in Berlin, which they use to present their company to government agencies and other associations.

About 150 international conferences and trade shows regularly take place in Berlin. Messe-Berlin has details. Some of the largest are the IFA for consumer electronics and ITB, the international tourism show.

Service providersThe local bar association allows you to search for lawyers by speciality, language capability and area.

The Berlin Chamber of Commerce runs a database for the research of potential suppliers or partners registered in the city.

General information on Berlin and the local development agency is also available.

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Germany Market Guide 12

Cologne and Düsseldorf North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is the most populated of the 16 federal states in Germany. It is home to four of the 10 largest cities and makes up 16 percent of Germany’s GDP. Its population of 17.8 million people live in an area of 34,092 square kilometres (523 inhabitants per square kilometre).

The two largest cities are Cologne with 1 million inhabitants and Düsseldorf with 600,000 inhabitants.

GDP per person in Cologne is €37,500, and in Düsseldorf, it’s €34,700.

The unemployment rate for NRW is 9.5 to 10 percent.

TransportThere are two major international airports: Düsseldorf and Köln/Bonn. There are also three smaller ones. Between them, they fly to 400 destinations every day. The Düsseldorf airport is close to the city centre and is covered by national trains as well as several regional transport alternatives.

Cologne is home to Germany’s busiest railway station, getting you to Brussels or Paris in two hours. The intra-regional public transport is excellent.

AccommodationThe most used booking platforms are www.booking.com and www.hrs.de. When you’re making a booking, make sure you check if your booking is confirmed (this depends on the hotels and the availability of rooms).

Business and scienceNRW is regarded as a world-class, high-tech location and is known for having one of the most intense research environments in Europe. This includes a network of 69 universities, 11 Fraunhofer Institutes, 12 Max Planck Institutes, 11 institutes of the Leibniz Association, three Helmholtz centres (Research Center Jülich, German Aerospace Center DLR, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases), the Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (CAESAR), nine Johannes Rau research institutes, 48 technology and business incubation centres and 30 technology transfer units. This group offers an excellent environment for research and development.

Because of its size and its role as Germany’s most popular investment destination (28 percent of all foreign direct investment to Germany in 2010 went to NRW), you can find support for basically every industry.

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With Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen and Dortmund, NRW is the world’s number one trade fair location. More than 60 internationally leading trade fairs such as Anuga, Photokina, MEDICA, Drupa and Boot attract approximately six million visitors annually.

Service providersThe Chamber of Commerce of Cologne has set up a commercial registry so you can search for local business partners and service suppliers. The same goes for the Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce.

The first point of contact for information on the region as a business location is the regional development agency NRW Invest.

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Germany Market Guide 13

FrankfurtFrankfurt has long been a European financial centre, the hub of a dense transport and distribution network and an international trade fair and business location. For many years, it has had a leading position as a telecommunications hub and a European centre for internet traffic and services. New developments in the biotechnology sector are opening up other significant opportunities for business. Together with Düsseldorf, Frankfurt is probably the most cosmopolitan city in Germany. It has 680,000 people.

Frankfurt is one of the richest cities in the world with a GDP per capita of €66,300 in 2011.

TransportFrankfurt Airport is the largest airport in Germany and one of the largest in Europe. The airport is connected by fast train to other major German cities and by local trains to the centre of Frankfurt (15 minutes).

Frankfurt railway station is the largest railway station in Germany.

Like all German cities, public transport in Frankfurt is excellent. RMV has maps and a journey planner.

AccommodationThe most used booking platforms are www.booking.com and www.hrs.de. When booking, make sure you’re making a confidential booking (this depends on the hotels and the availability of rooms).

Business and scienceWith 12 universities, 17 universities of applied science and 13 international schools, Frankfurt has a lively educational and research scene.

There are around 218 banks headquartered in Frankfurt. The city is also home to the European Central Bank, the Deutsche Bundesbank and the German Stock Exchange. Together with some 2,300 financial service companies, the financial industry in Frankfurt employs about 70,000 people and generates a business volume of €2.5 billion.

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IT and telecommunicationsThe German Internet Exchange, which is the largest international internet exchange, is based in Frankfurt. Life science industries, biotechnology, logistics and mobility, as well as media and creative, are other strong industries in Frankfurt. In addition, the financial sector has attracted many service companies, such as consultancies, lawyers, tax consultants and advertising agencies.

Service providersThe local bar association offers a search service for lawyers by their expertise and location.

There is no central database for local service providers in Frankfurt. It’s best to contact the local development agency in the first instance.

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Germany Market Guide 14

HamburgHamburg is northern Germany’s unofficial capital, with a long-standing history of global trade and logistics. With the third largest seaport in Europe and the 17th largest worldwide, Hamburg is a logistics hub. Hamburg along with Frankfurt and Munich is among the richest cities in Germany, with a dynamic economy and strong links to the north and east of Europe.

Its population is 1.8 million, and it has a GDP per capita of €59,500 (2016).

TransportHamburg Airport is the smallest of the major German airports but can still provide good connections in Europe and beyond. The airport is close to the city centre, just 10 minutes by tube.

Like all German cities, public transport in Hamburg is excellent. HVV has maps and a journey planner.

Business and scienceBased on its history as a trading city and the large port, Hamburg has a strong logistics industry. It is home to many well-known trading companies for meat, fruit, spices and coffee.

Hamburg is also home to the largest gaming industry in Germany and has a strong media and advertising industry. The large Airbus plant just outside Hamburg has attracted many other aviation companies. Life science, marine and renewable energy industries are very dynamic and are growing constantly.

Service providersThe local bar association offers a search service for lawyers, according to their expertise and location.

The Handelskammer Hamburg offers a database for companies and service providers in northern Germany.

For other information on Hamburg, it’s best to contact the regional development agency.

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Germany Market Guide 15

MunichLocated in beautiful Bavaria, Munich is one of the most dynamic economic regions in Europe. Munich offers a very healthy, diverse economy. It is home to the German headquarters of many large companies and is regarded as Germany’s safest large city.

Munich’s economy is traditionally close to eastern and southern Europe. It has a population of 1.55 million and a GDP per capita of €68,700.

TransportMunich Airport is the second largest airport in Germany with excellent connections into Europe and the rest of the world. The airport is 45 kilometres outside the city, and taking the train into town would be the best option.

Like all German cities, public transport in Munich is excellent. MVV has maps and a journey planner.

AccommodationThe most used booking platforms are www.booking.com, www.trivago.de and www.hrs.de. When booking, make sure your booking is confirmed (this depends on the hotels and the availability of rooms).

Business and scienceThere are a number of well-known universities and research facilities in Munich.

Munich is home to several major German banks and many large insurance companies, as well as other financial service providers. IT and telecommunications, life science, automotive, pharmaceutical and media are other strong industries.

Service providersThe local bar association offers a search service for lawyers, according to their expertise and location.

For other information on Munich, it’s best to contact the regional development agency.

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Germany Market Guide 16

EventsEye has details on some trade shows in Germany.

Product registrationThe German Patent and Trade Mark Office has all the information on product registration.

Trade shows and industry exhibitions

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Germany Market Guide 17

Setting up operations and establishing a businessGerman Trade and Invest has comprehensive information on investing in Germany and setting up a company.

TaxationWorldwide-Tax has details about the German tax system.

Customs and import regulationsTransfer Wise provides details around customs and imports to Germany.

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Resources and contacts

Local government directoryThere are a number of local government departments in Germany:

The Federal Government www.bundesregierung.de

Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology www.bmwi.de

Federal Ministry of the Interior www.bmi.bund.de

Federal Ministry of Justice www.bmj.de

Federal Ministry of Finance www.Bundesfinanzministerium.de

Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs www.bmas.deFederal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and

Consumer Protection www.bmelv.de

Federal Ministry of Defence www.bmvg.deFederal Ministry for Family Affairs,

Senior Citizens, Women and Youth www.bmfsfj.de

Federal Ministry of Health www.bmg.bund.deFederal Ministry of Transport,

Building and Urban Development www.bmvbs.deFederal Ministry for the Environment,

Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety www.bmu.de

Federal Ministry of Education and Research www.bmbf.deFederal Ministry for Economic

Cooperation and Development www.bmz.de

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Germany Market Guide 19

Industry associationsGermany has representative bodies for most industries. Some of these organisations are:

Federation of German Industry (BDI – Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V.) www.bdi.eu

German Association of Digital Economy (BVDW – Bundesverband Digitale Wirtschaft e.V.) www.bvdw.orgFederation of German Food and Drink Industries

(BVE – Bundesvereinigung der Deutschen Ernährungsindustrie) www.bve-online.de Federal Association for Information Technology,

Telecommunications and New Media (BITCOM -Bundesverband Informationswirtschaft, Telekommunikation und neue Medien e.V.) www.bitkom.org The Confederation of the German Textile and Fashion

Industry (Gesamtverband Textile+Mode) www.textil-mode.de

Other useful websitesThese websites will provide helpful information:

The World Bank: Doing Business Guide – Germany www.doingbusiness.org

Kwintessential: Doing business in Germany www.kwintessential.co.uk

Germany Trade and Invest www.gtai.de

New Zealand German Business Association Inc www.germantrade.co.nz

German Business Portal www.german-business-portal.info

Association of the German Trade Fair Industry www.auma.de

Federal Statistical Office www.destatis.de

Federal Customs Administration www.zoll-d.de

European Commission Taxation and Customs Union www.ec.europa.eu

World Trade Organisation – Tariff Download Facility www.tariffdata.wto.org

SECTION 3SECTION 8 RESOURCES AND CONTACTS

Local news and online mediaThere are a number of media organisations in Germany:

Major newspapersSüddeutsche Zeitung

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

Der Spiegel

Die Welt

Bild

Economic newspapersHandelsblatt

Manager Magazin

English newsDeutsche Welle

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NZTE/Embassy contact details

Organisation Address Telephone Website / Email

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

c/o New Zealand Consulate-General Zurich-Haus, Domstr. 19 20095 Hamburg, Germany

+49 40 442 5550 www.nzte.govt.nz

[email protected]

New Zealand Embassy

Friedrichstraße 60 10117 Berlin, Germany

+49 30 206 210 www.nzembassy.com/germany

[email protected]

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Disclaimer: This document only contains general information and is not formal advice. The New Zealand Government and its associated agencies (‘the New Zealand Government’) do not endorse or warrant the accuracy, reliability or fitness for any purpose of any information provided. It is recommended that you seek independent advice on any matter related to the use of the information. In no event will the New Zealand Government be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of the information. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the New Zealand Government, its officers, employees and agents accept no liability for any errors or omissions or any opinion expressed, and no responsibility is accepted with respect to the standing of any firms, companies or individuals mentioned. April 2017

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the Government agency charged with a single purpose: growing companies internationally, bigger, better and faster, for the good of New Zealand.

We employ 600 people, have over 200 private sector partners and draw on a global network of thousands more. We have people based in 50 offices, working across 24 time zones and 40 languages to support New Zealand businesses in over 100 countries. Our global presence lets us deliver value to the

businesses we support, through our unique know-how (knowledge and experience) and know-who (networks and connections).

Our know-how and know-who is expressed in our Māori name: Te Taurapa Tūhono. Te Taurapa is the stern post of a traditional Māori waka, which records valuable knowledge, and stabilises and guides the craft forward. Tūhono represents connections to people and an ability to build relationships.

We provide customised services and support to ambitious businesses looking to go global. We help them build their

capability, boost their global reach, connect to other businesses and invest in their growth. We also connect international investors with opportunities in New Zealand through a global network of investment advisors.

We call on our Government network and work closely with our NZ Inc partners and the business community, to grow our national \brand and help businesses to open doors in global markets.

nzte.govt.nz

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the Government agency charged with a single purpose: growing companies internationally, bigger, better and faster, for the good of New Zealand.

We employ 600 people, have over 200 private sector partners and draw on a global network of thousands more. We have people based in 50 offices, working across 24 time zones and 40 languages to support New Zealand businesses in over 100 countries. Our global presence lets us deliver value to the businesses we support, through our unique know-how (knowledge and experience) and know-who (networks and connections).

Our know-how and know-who is expressed in our Māori name: Te Taurapa Tūhono. Te Taurapa is the stern post of a traditional Māori waka, which records valuable knowledge, and stabilises and guides

the craft forward. Tūhono represents connections to people and an ability to build relationships.

We provide customised services and support to ambitious businesses looking to go global. We help them build their capability, boost their global reach, connect to other businesses and invest in their growth. We also connect international investors with opportunities in New Zealand through a global network of investment advisors.

We call on our Government network and work closely with our NZ Inc partners and the business community, to grow our national brand and help businesses to open doors in global markets.

nzte.govt.nz

Disclaimer: This document only contains general information and is not formal advice. The New Zealand Government and its associated agencies (‘the New Zealand Government’) do not endorse or warrant the accuracy, reliability or fitness for any purpose of any information provided. It is recommended that you seek independent advice on any matter related to the use of the information. In no event will the New Zealand Government be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of the information. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the New Zealand Government, its officers, employees and agents accept no liability for any errors or omissions or any opinion expressed, and no responsibility is accepted with respect to the standing of any firms, companies or individuals mentioned.

August 2018ISBN: 978-1-98-855229-3