Latest news with #BVMW
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
High-level German delegation visits IFZA for strategic business talks in Dubai
Dubai, UAE – In response to the shifting dynamics of global trade, German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly seeking stable and strategic markets for international expansion. Reflecting this trend, a high-level business delegation from the German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (BVMW) visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The visit was hosted by IFZA, Dubai's most dynamic Free Zone community. The visit comes at a time when many German SMEs are actively expanding into international markets such as the UAE, as trade relations between both countries continue to grow. The delegation was warmly welcomed by H.E. Sybille Pfaff, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai. In her opening remarks, she shared valuable insights into the bilateral ties between Germany and the UAE, emphasizing the growing importance of economic partnerships. The official agenda included IFZA-led presentations on company formation, legal framework, tax efficiency and market opportunities, as well as success stories of German companies in Dubai. These were complemented by legal consultations and expert insights from tax specialists, offering participants practical guidance on the UAE's legal and fiscal framework. 'Dubai offers German entrepreneurs more than just a foothold in the Middle East – it serves as a gateway to the emerging markets of Asia and Africa,' said Jochen Knecht, CEO of IFZA. 'We are pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with BVMW and showcase how German businesses can establish themselves in the UAE and benefit from its liberal business environment and robust infrastructure. We are confident this visit will serve as a catalyst for further collaboration and investment between Dubai and Germany, contributing to shared growth and prosperity.' During the visit, IFZA Chairman Martin G. Pedersen received a special honor from the BVMW: in recognition of his outstanding contributions to SMEs and his responsible leadership in business and society, he was officially appointed as Honorary Economic Senator (Wirtschaftssenator h.c.)—making him a member of the BVMW's highest committee, the Federal Economic Senate (BWS). Discussions between both sides focused on global supply chains and Dubai's role in international business and trade networks. Delegates also explored the emirate's wide range of investment opportunities and the shared vision of attracting multinational corporations and fast-growing startups from Germany to Dubai. A key highlight of the visit was a reception hosted at the German Embassy in Abu Dhabi, underlining the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. 'The three-day exchange with IFZA marked another key milestone in our ongoing collaboration,' said Christoph Ahlhaus, Chairman of the BVMW Federal Executive Board. 'The Gulf region is one of the world's fastest-growing economies, and our visit confirmed the tremendous potential the UAE holds for German SMEs. This delegation trip opens a new chapter in our international engagement, strengthening global ties and emphasizing the BVMW's international orientation—with IFZA as a strong and trusted partner on the ground in Dubai. We are confident that our longstanding partnership and the joint efforts of all involved will significantly support our growing presence in the UAE and strengthen the German economy for the future.' The delegation also enjoyed several opportunities for networking, including a desert dinner, cultural excursions, and a visit to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), providing them with a comprehensive overview of the business and lifestyle benefits Dubai has to offer. Germany has long been one of the UAE's most important European trading partners. As trade relations continue to deepen, Germany remains the UAE's second-largest EU trading partner and its 13th globally. With over 2,500 Professional Partners worldwide—including a strong presence in Germany, IFZA is a natural partner for German businesses looking to future-proof their global expansion strategies. About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Business Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive. For details contact: Daniel Ford Head of Corporate Communications, IFZA dford@ M: +971 56 415 3075
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
‘New German government will continue to work with India'
The new German government will continue to work with India as a strategic partner and as a prominent voice of the Global South, Kathrin Misera-Lang, Consul General of Germany in Chennai said. 'Together with India, we want to shape a fair, sustainable and digital global economy. We also want to work together with India in upholding a rules-based international order, and in achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement as well as the Sustainable Development Goals,' she said while talking at the Indo-German MSME Conclave 2025 that was organised by The Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and BVMW, jointly with Guidance Tamil Nadu. Sharing her views on Indo-German business relations, she said: 'We see that over 2,000 German companies are present, and among them are many small and medium-sized companies with cutting-edge technologies. They have created more than 6,00,000 jobs over the years and are contributing to India's growth and transformation.' She also outlined the initiatives announced by the new German government which included incentives for investment and innovation. Atul Anand, Additional Chief Secretary, MSME department, Tamil Nadu government, said that the State not only had a strategic locational advantage and a skilled workforce but also had multiple schemes that supported the growth of the MSMEs. Stating that Tamil Nadu has over 33 lakh MSMEs, he said there was a Single Window clearance system not just for large industries but also for MSMEs. Thomas Dose, Managing Director, BMW, India spoke on the importance of understanding the cultural context and its importance in building bilateral business linkages.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IFZA strengthens strategic partnership with BVMW to showcase UAE to German businesses at Zukunftstag in Berlin
Dubai, UAE – Reinforcing its commitment to strengthening bi-lateral business ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Germany, IFZA played a central role at this year's Zukunftstag (Future Day) in Berlin, hosted by the Bundesverband mittelständische Wirtschaft e.V (BVMW), the German Federal Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses. This marks the second consecutive year of partnership between IFZA and BVMW at Zukunftstag, underlining a shared vision to unlock global opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs. Aligned with IFZA's mission to bring Dubai to the world and the world to Dubai and marking a pivotal step in its strategy to support Dubai government's ambitious D33 initiative; the partnership reiterates the organization's commitment to building bridges and forging meaningful connections across borders to unlock international business opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. Commenting on IFZA's involvement with BVMW and Zukunftstag, Jochen Knecht, IFZA's CEO commented: 'IFZA has an impressive track-record of successfully serving the German business community, and we are thrilled to have been part of this landmark event for the second consecutive year. At IFZA we believe that business has a unique 'superpower' to bring people together. No matter how different we may be, there is common ground to be found by working together. Our presence at Zukunftstag not only supports German businesses in their international expansion but also strengthens the UAE economy by driving Foreign Direct Investment.' 'As a global business facilitator, IFZA connects businesses and entrepreneurs from around the world to the UAE, enabling them to optimize and unlock opportunities, and create meaningful impact to the UAE and beyond.' Speaking at the event, H.E. Ahmed Al Attar, UAE's Ambassador to Germany said, 'It was my pleasure to attend for the second consecutive year at Zukunftstag Mittelstand — an excellent platform celebrating the strength and innovation of German SMEs. I was pleased to visit the IFZA booth, one of the event's key sponsors, and to engage in a productive roundtable with over 18 companies, highlighting the growing interest in the UAE's dynamic opportunities and our shared commitment to deepening economic collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and the Federal Republic of Germany.' Germany is among the most important suppliers and contributors to the UAE's economy with a history that spans more than 50 years. The UAE is home to around 1,200 renowned German companies, with approximately 30,000 German citizens living in the country. The event brought together influential voices from Germany's SME sector, international partners, and government stakeholders, offering a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership opportunities. Commenting on IFZA's relationship with BVMW and continued support of Zunkunfstag, Christoph Ahlhaus, Chairman of the Federal Executive Board of the BVMW, said: 'It was a pleasure to once again welcome IFZA once again as the main partner at the largest SME event of the year. This partnership underlines the successful cooperation between the BVMW and IFZA and creates valuable synergies on both sides, as well as new growth opportunities for German SMEs.' As a key milestone in its global outreach, IFZA's presence at Zukunftstag 2025 further cemented its role as a trusted gateway between Germany and the UAE, enabling businesses to grow beyond borders. BMVW's office at IFZA's premises in Dubai connects its membership with the UAE market and serves as a hub for connecting German businesses with potential partners across the region. IFZA's ongoing international expansion includes dedicated offices in Berlin and Frankfurt, offering localized support for German entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the UAE. The company continues to extend its global presence with established offices in Spain, Switzerland, China, Austria and Denmark, and additional offices are planned for the UK, Pakistan, India, Africa, and Latin America in the coming year. About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Business Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive. For details contact: Daniel Ford Head of Corporate Communications, IFZA dford@ M: +971 56 415 3075
