With the credit crisis reaching every corner of the world, it has become increasingly important for countries to build long-lasting business relationships beyond their borders to revive their economies.
So goes the message of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, established to facilitate trade between the two countries and forge long-term economic ties.
The chamber is part of a global network of German chambers in 80 countries under the guiding principle of bilateralism, assisting companies in their search for new business opportunities and business partners abroad.
Gemma Freeman, marketing manager of the German-Irish Chamber, regards communication as one of the main key factors which brings companies in Ireland and Germany closer together.
“We provide a networking and social platform for our members and clients to meet each other,” Freeman explains. “The need to meet face-to-face has increased during this time of recession. Cost-effective networking platforms are extremely in demand.”
Besides organising networking conferences, the German-Irish Chamber also hosts a range of other events ranging from golfing outings to knowledge-sharing trade missions, all with the aim of bringing German and Irish companies and business leaders together.
Freeman adds: “We organise around four to five trade missions per years in all different kinds of technology.”
Indeed, Freeman gives the impression that the German-Irish relationship is growing from strength to strength.
“There is an interest in business activities in both sides,” she says. “Companies from both countries always keep their business targets in view.”
