It has been an intense few weeks of international activity. At a time when the very idea of internationalism has seemed under threat in numerous ways, seeing so many national leaders smiling together for the cameras once again, not just once but repeatedly, jetting from COP27 to G20 to ASEAN, sometimes adding important bilateral meetings in-between, has felt a bit unusual, certainly. The importance of the issues under discussion notwithstanding, the images at least have felt like a refreshing throwback to normality, and to less restricted, pre-Covid years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As well as being hugely significant in their own rights, these headline-grabbing events represent something much larger that is going on \u2013 the coming-back-together of business and other leaders for face-to-face events both great and small, right around the world, to renew friendships, strengthen partnerships, resolve issues, and seek new opportunities together.
One such gathering, the 17th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) took place in Singapore at the same time as COP27. Co-chaired by the APA Chairman, President and CEO of Siemens AG Roland Busch and the Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck, other notable participants included German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the host nation\u2019s own deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat, and former Australian prime minister and CEO of the Asia Society Kevin Rudd, as well as numerous international business leaders, including the CEOs of Deutsche Bank, Rhenus Group, DBS Group, Bosch, and Pepperl + Fuchs, and more than 600 other \u201cmovers and shakers\u201d from the worlds of government, industry and commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was the first time that a German Chancellor has been part of an APK conference \u2013 a fact which illustrates the growing importance of the relationship between Germany and Asia Pacific. As well as being a \u201cplatform to deepen the dialogue on current economic developments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region\u201d, the other stated purpose of this event was to \u201cbuild and strengthen personal and economic ties.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we highlighted in a recent post, Aisa Pacific is the most important non-European trade region for German companies. Germany\u2019s exports to East Asia have shown resilience and growth during the last few years, despite obvious challenges, leading the Federal Statistical Office to describe this dimension of trade as \u201can anchor of stability\u201d. In addition to the traditional export powerhouse machinery and automotive sectors, Germany\u2019s medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and electronics exports to the region have been growing apace.
\u201cThe fact that German Chancellor Scholz is attending our Asia-Pacific Conference underscores the importance of this event\u201d said APK co-chair Roland Busch. \u201cI can\u2019t think of a more important time than now for German and Asian industry to demonstrate leadership through the power of collaboration, cooperation and technology. Harnessing our combined strengths will drive sustainable growth and prosperity for the region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online meetings can only take us so far; it\u2019s no surprise that industry leaders are straining during these months to re-connect with overseas partners, and engage in opportunities to network with potential new ones. Nor is it any surprise that businesses and government departments from Germany should be so keen to focus strongly on the Asia Pacific region in this respect.
After all, as we at Melchers know very well, doing business for the long-term demands not only initial meetings, but also commitment to the nurture of strong, healthy relationships \u2013 friendships even \u2013 over many years; it requires presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n