As German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil prepares for a visit to China, a wave of expectations is emanating from the nation’s business community, signaling a desire for nuanced engagement rather than outright disengagement. Concerns are surfacing that efforts to mitigate economic dependencies shouldn’t be misinterpreted as a retreat from the crucial Chinese market.
Dirk Jandura, President of the German Foreign Trade and Investment Chamber (BGA), emphasized the need for “risk management, market access and dialogue – not isolation” in an interview with the Rheinische Post. He stressed that the German government must actively champion fair competitive conditions and advocate for greater transparency and predictability within the EU-China dialogue. Persistent issues like overcapacity and market distortions, he insists, must be openly addressed.
The business sector is voicing frustration with the increasingly complex regulatory environment affecting German firms. Calls are intensifying for reliable operational frameworks, particularly regarding export controls, visa processing and investment approvals. Such bureaucratic hurdles, coupled with ideological barriers, are perceived as severely hindering international trade.
Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), lauded the timing of Klingbeil’s trip, describing it as a vital opportunity for the new government to establish a direct line of communication with Chinese leaders amidst escalating geopolitical tensions. He argues it provides a chance to recalibrate economic and trade policies with clearly defined expectations for transparent and dependable procedures, especially concerning Chinese export controls on critical raw materials and rare earth elements.
Treier underscored the potential for supply chain disruptions in key industries – ranging from electric vehicle components to medical technology – if predictability is not assured. He pleaded for a communicative approach that acknowledges challenges while recognizing ongoing opportunities for German businesses. The era of frictionless international labor division is over, he contends; market access is now intrinsically linked to political negotiation. German companies are therefore anticipating that policymakers will seize every opportunity to strategically cultivate relationships with China, firmly representing the interests of the German economy.
