Expanding Your Business Into Germany

• Germany is economically integrated with the U.S.. It is the largest national economy in Europe, the fourth largest by nominal GDP in the world. It is also the richest country in Europe and second in the world behind the U.S. Since the age of industrialization, the country has been a leading innovator, driver and beneficiary of a more globalized economy. The country is a founding member of the European Union and the Eurozone. Germany is also a member of NATO. the WTO and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2014, Germany recorded the highest trade surplus in the world worth $285 billion, making it the biggest capital exporter globally.

Resources For Entering the German Market:

• For American companies, the German market, Europe’s largest, is attractive in numerous sectors and is an important element of any comprehensive export strategy in Europe.
• The Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) is responsible for the full range of defense cooperation activities in Germany.
• The Foreign Agriculture Service is a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provides trade contacts for German buyers looking for U.S. food and beverage products
• The U.S. Commercial Service offers assistance to U.S. companies doing business in Germany as well as export goods and services to Germany.
• These organizations work to promote the export of U.S. goods, services and technology in today’s global marketplace.

Last year, China invested in 190 greenfield projects in Germany, Europe's biggest economy, outpacing the U.S. and Switzerland which ranked second and third with 168 and 130 projects

According to "Trading Across Borders" data, Germany ranks 18 out of 188 countries in regards to ease of document preparation; customs clearance and inspections; inland transport and handling; and port and terminal handling.

Germany would be an excellent country for any MNC to consider expanding into. The country has an ideal business culture. The ease of doing business with and within this country is proven to be stellar. Whether importing, exporting, or building a facility within the country, all can be done with much less risk compared to other countries. I would highly recommend Germany to any company looking to expand their market.

Referances:

• U.S.A Embassy(2015). Doing Business with Germany. Retrieved from http://germany.usembassy.gov/trade/export/
• Global Times (2015, April 28). Investment in Germany. Retrieved from http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/919025.shtml
• World Bank Group (2014, June). Trading Across Borders. Retrieved from http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploretopics/trading-across-borders
• Wikipedia (March, 22, 2015). Economy of Germany. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Germany