Strengthening Ties in Uncertain Times
German - British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
Letter from Dr Ulrich Hoppe of the German- British Chamber of Commerce & Industry to the members of that excellent organisation. (reproduced with their kind permission)
As we move into the warmer months, there is hope that sentiment across the business community will improve. However, ongoing geopolitical developments offer little reassurance. The political and economic consequences of recent events remain uncertain, creating a challenging environment for planning and growth.
Against this backdrop, the British government has released its long-awaited industrial strategy this week. It represents an encouraging step with a clear focus on future growth and innovation. Its objectives resonate strongly with the business community, and many of its goals such as supporting the defence sector, promoting advanced manufacturing, and driving cutting-edge research are also shared across Europe.
There is significant potential for enhanced cooperation, particularly between the UK and Germany. The planned bilateral treaty, expected to be signed before the summer recess, promises to add meaningful substance to collaborative efforts. In parallel, the recent EU-UK summit has laid the groundwork for a broader strategic partnership across the continent.
Despite current challenges, we remain reasonably optimistic. Businesses have long advocated for closer collaboration and we are confident that new opportunities for trade, investment, and joint innovation will emerge. We welcome the opening of new channels for dialogue and the Chamber stands ready to actively support and animate these through its network and initiatives.
Dr Ulrich Hoppe
Director General
German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
