The German Federal Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW) had invited to the annual reception in the federal capital of Berlin more than 3.000 entrepreneurs, top politicians, parliamentarians, including 80 deputies, 80 ambassadors and other high-ranking guests, such as the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdulaziz Komilov, and the former President of Croatia, Stjepan Mesić, and the President of Senegal, Mr. Macky Sall, who all accepted the evening’s invitation from Germany’s largest, voluntarily organized SME association.
In view of the prevailing industrial recession, European SME-President Mario Ohoven demanded relief for our economies through a reform of corporate taxes: “Corporate taxes have to go down to 25 percent, better 20 percent.” The German and European economy needs optimal competitive conditions, if we want to maintain our economic position in the world.
In his keynote, German Federal Minister of Economy, Mr. Peter Altmaier, showed understanding for the positions of BVMW and spoke in favor of a tax limit for all those that make their contribution to the economic well-being of Germany.
The President of Senegal, S.E. Macky Sall, underlined the strong growth potential of Africa in his speech. Every investment in the continent of opportunities in Africa brings more prosperity, jobs, less youth unemployment and fewer reasons for illegal migration. German Federal Development Minister, Dr. Gerd Müller, described Africa as a future market with tremendous opportunities for development, especially for German medium-sized companies.
The Bavarian Prime Minister, Dr. Markus Söder, asked for comparable tax rates as in other countries. Germany must not levy the highest taxes that hinder the economy and make investment more difficult. German Federal Minister of Family Affairs, Dr. Franziska Giffey, criticized the massive shortage of skilled workers in this country, which is an obstacle to the growth of our economy. She invited medium-sized companies to participate in the “Success factor family” corporate program.
The CEO of Siemens AG, Mr. Joe Kaeser, found praising words for German SMEs in his speech. He said that the Mittelstand is a culture and a mindset. This is exactly what the globally recognized seal “Made in Germany” is all about.
An international business forum of the BVMW preceded the reception. More than 700 entrepreneurs received first-hand exclusive information about business opportunities in the target countries from the ambassadors and other high-ranking representatives from 60 countries.
