Tips and Support

First Port of Call Around the Globe: The German Chamber Network

The German Chamber Network consists of bi-national German Chambers, Delegations and Representations of German Industry and Commerce (AHKs). The AHKs are spread over 80 countries in every continent of the world. They are located at all places of major importance to German industry and commerce in a world of integrating global markets.

The AHKs advise companies in situ on investment and market opportunities and help them make international business contacts. Furthermore the AHKs are the first port of call and intermediary for companies in the host country wishing to do business in.

The AHKs are fully integrated in the economy of their host countries. The fact that about 40,000 companies are members of these Chambers, of which two thirds are of non-German nationality, is evidence of this. The service they provide in the field of foreign trade is especially important for small and medium-sized enterprises which do not have their own export departments. It is they in particular who benefit from the vital information on import and export regulations, customs duties, investment conditions abroad, currency regulations, market opportunities and marketing strategies.

The AHKs are independent institutions which earn a major share of their income through the services they provide. At the same time, the AHKs also perform important tasks in the interest of the German government`s tasks which would otherwise have to be performed by state institutions, e.g. the embassies.

The German Chamber Network abroad is working closely together with the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Germany (IHK). Both networks are coordinated by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK).