The recent “Investment Summit” hosted by the German Chancellery has been hailed as a positive signal for the country’s economic landscape, according to Commerzbank CEO Bettina Orlopp. Speaking to RTL and n-tv on Monday, Orlopp emphasized the psychological impact of investment, stating that encouraging businesses to invest within Germany is crucial for fostering growth.
While acknowledging the announced commitment of €631 billion in investment, Orlopp refrained from providing a precise breakdown of how much represented genuinely new capital. She pointed to “lighthouse projects” and highlighted the collaborative effort between government and industry, avoiding specific assessment of the numerical value.
Addressing criticisms regarding the composition of attendees at the summit, Orlopp acknowledged the need for wider representation, describing the event as an initial step. She underscored the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, such as trade conflicts.
The official photograph from the summit, prominently featuring predominantly male attendees alongside only two women-Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) and Orlopp- sparked considerable discussion. Responding to this, Orlopp emphasized the importance of promoting diversity rather than implementing quotas. She advocated for companies to establish measurable internal programs to ensure equal development opportunities for women and men, moving away from rigid quota systems towards a focus on equitable representation that accounts for industry-specific contexts.
Expressing optimism regarding future progress, Orlopp noted that increased visibility and a willingness to take risks among women would contribute to a more inclusive environment. “Career advancement inherently involves risk” she stated.
