BVDSI calls for German Silk Road summit

Is Germany sleeping through the value-add opportunity of the century? This question is currently being discussed in the economy. Neither the BMWI nor the top-level associations or the AHKs are currently particularly active with regard to the promotion and education of German value-add opportunities. One has the impression that the German political landscape has not yet quite internalized the enormous dynamism with which China is driving this project forward. Let us not pretend otherwise, China is not pursuing this project for pure entertainment value, but for purely strategic reasons. The greater plan anticipates that China envisions to be the undisputed, uncatchable economic number 1 by 2030, or at the latest by 2046. Neither the EU or the USA will be able to prevent this. The strategic prerequisites for China are simply too good to change this. But does that mean we have to sit like the rabbit in front of the snake and wait and see what happens? Of course not. The German economy has so far shown in China how to do it right and has made a great name for itself. Now, with an eye on the Chinese, is the time to write a new chapter of German economic history. Only a concerted action of all the main stakeholders creates the prerequisite for this. A summit with participants from politics, associations and economy opens new perspectives, especially for German small and medium enterprises. The German SME sector, as a worldwide unique force of innovation, has the motivation and skills to prosper and sustainably conduct business in the countries along the new Silk Road. However, the SME sector needs an accompaniment and protection, which deserves the name. At this summit, the question cannot be how the German economy can successfully act against the interests of China. The objective is clearly the positioning and strategy of how the German SME sector, together with China, can accommodate the development desires of the economies along the Silk Road. Billions of Euros in value addition for all parties are argument enough for the German side to become active. If the motto “Only the early bird catches the worm” holds true, then we are actually already too late. However, the reputation of the German SME sector in Asia is so robust that it cannot be replaced by anything else, not even by already missed previous opportunities. That is why we say: It’s not too late, but time is running out. The BVDSI is at the forefront of this initiative and calls for a summit to be launched as soon as possible.