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From 23 to 28 March 2025, the AHK Southern Africa organized a business initiation trip to South Africa on behalf of the BMWK and in cooperation with the VDMA Textile Machinery Association and SBS systems for business solutions GmbH.

Held on 3rd to 5th September 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

From the VDMA's perspective, visa policy and technical interfaces are among the top issues for German-Brazilian cooperation in mechanical engineering. The German-Brazilian Business Days provide an opportunity for exchange.

Foreign exchange market was deregulated in March 2024. But expectations that exports would pick up afterwards were not fulfilled. VDMA members in Egypt nevertheless report good business.

Intercompany license agreements between the parent company in Germany/Europe and the subsidiary in China are of considerable importance in practice.

How are exports to Africa and the Middle East developing? Which are the largest local markets, which product groups are most in demand and what are the most important supplier countries? In our theme publication you will find facts, figures and data on foreign trade with Africa and the Middle East from the perspective of the mechanical and plant engineering sector.

As in the previous year, demand for capital goods was weak in 2024. Machinery and equipment worth an estimated 3.26 trillion euros was sold worldwide, 1.5% less than in 2023.

With a liaison office for the ASEAN region, the VDMA aims to support European mechanical engineering in the region. Tiffany Ang has been representing the VDMA in the ASEAN region based in Singapore since January 6, 2025.

The Hermes package of measures from January 2025 offers applicants a German Footprint concept if they do not only export German value added.

Many VDMA members are considering investing in the US market for the first time or deepening existing investments. We invite you to an interactive conference in presence on March 25, 2025.

For many years, our trade fair calendar has served as a valuable guide for our members.

The following summarizes the discussions with VDMA members' branches in Turkey and with Turkish mechanical engineering companies as well as the second meeting of VDMA members in Istanbul.

Competition with China is also becoming tougher on third markets. The VDMA position paper formulates expectations of politicians with regard to China.

The tips for business success in the United States have been updated. The exclusive publication for VDMA members is now available in German and English.

Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) provides a monthly overview of publications relevant to mechanical engineering on Africa exclusively for VDMA members.

Africa is in the focus of politics and offers the economy many opportunities. In order for German interests and companies to survive in competition with China, among others, the VDMA is calling for adjustments from policymakers.

Short-term business trips are possible without a visa, but a visa is required for assemblers and service assignments.

Southeastern Europe encompasses many different markets - VDMA Foreign Trade provides information

Kenya ranks among the top three economies in sub-Saharan Africa, far behind Nigeria and South Africa, with a GDP of $110 billion (2021).

VDMA Foreign Trade supports and accompanies member companies in expanding foreign sales into future markets with potential.

The government is investing heavily in infrastructure and there are multiple market opportunities, but the economy is also suffering from currency devaluation.

The starting signal has been given for the new series "Africa - Market in Focus". The first issue provides a concise overview of business in South Africa.

Peter Steindl, managing partner of FAWEMA GmbH, describes himself as a great friend of Africa. He talks about the company's start in Africa and gives tips on building up business.