„A strong trade fair country needs a strong domestic economy“
Philip Harting, AUMA Chairman
© AUMA | Steffen Kugler
In eventful times just like in choppy seas, safe anchorage is essential, as are meeting places for people from all over the world. We need exchange and dialogue. We need trade. All of it in market-places that everyone can trust and rely on. And who could better facilitate this than the trade fair industry?
The German Economic Institute has confirmed that the German trade fair industry has a more posi-tive outlook on the future than most other sectors. We are glad to be able to bring together problem solvers for all future topics at the world's number one trade fair centre Germany. Exhibiting companies and visitors have returned in large numbers.
„We would like to motivate the German government to push ahead with free trade agreements - even when the headwinds are blowing at gale force.“
The growth in 2024 is pleasing but shows that we are not yet at pre-corona levels concerning all key figures. In terms of sales, yes, but in terms of visitors and exhibitors, we are still a long way from the peak values of the pre-coronavirus era. The pandemic alone is not the reason, but the worldwide rapid change of erstwhile certainties, too. Industries, companies and consumer habits are changing fast-paced. During the pandemic at the latest, international competition has seized its opportunity. International competition is tough, and we notice it every day.
That's why three thoughts are important:
Enough talking.
A strong Germany needs a strong domestic economy, especially our strong SME sector. For the larg-est economy in Europe, three years of stagnation and recession are a piercing warning signal. It is almost a miracle that the trade fair industry is still more optimistic about the future than many other sectors of the economy. The German government has to pursue an activating economic policy:
- Down with energy costs!
- Significantly less bureaucracy!
- Consistent digitalisation of public administration, especially in terms of visa issuance!
Free trade?
Absolutely! We have grown up as an export nation, currently in third place worldwide, which is also part of our economy’s DNA. Trade assures prosperity for all of us. Free trade promotes growth and employment. The coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD confirms the strengthening of foreign trade policy as a goal.
The quickest and easiest step is to strengthen the content and increase the funding of trade fair promotion programmes such as the Foreign trade fair programme of the Federal Government (AMP) or Young Innovators for start-ups in Germany. More than 210,000 medium-sized German companies have organised their first foreign trade fair participation since 1949 with the AMP. These are the companies that have established Germany's reputation as an export nation.
We would like to motivate the German government to push ahead with free trade agreements - even when the headwinds are blowing at gale force.
Diversity.
Absolutely yes! At our 320 or so trade fairs year after year, we see so many strong products and inspiring innovations for almost all sectors and different requirements. Different people come together and exchange ideas, look for business partners and search for solutions together.
- Let's appreciate that!
- Let's support that!
- Let's protect that!
The best solutions for a good future do not lie in simplicity, but in diversity, and this can be seen at our trade fairs - whether regional, national or international - almost every day of the year.
Sincerely
Philip Harting
Philip Harting (born 1974) was elected AUMA Chairman for a third three-year term in 2025. He was first elected Chairman in 2019 and has been active on the AUMA Board since 2008. Harting is CEO of the HARTING Technology Group e, which is represented as an exhibiting company at many na-tional and international trade fairs.
