The network of the German chambers of foreign trade (AHK) celebrated its 125th anniversary with a celebratory ceremony in Brussels.
DIHK President Schweitzer: "The contribution of the AHKs for the internal market and the EU is today more important than ever"
The DIHK-coordinated network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad with 140 locations in 92 countries is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. The first AHK was founded in 1894 as the German Chamber of Commerce in Brussels. It is now responsible for the three markets of Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg under the name AHK Debelux and will host its official anniversary celebration on Thursday, May 16, 2019.
Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier, Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister Kris Peeters and Luxembourg's Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna have all said that they will be well-wishers. The AHK network has been constantly evolving over the past 125 years. Meanwhile, the AHKs are represented in almost all regions of the world as a door opener and problem solver of the German economy. As bridge builders also for many members from the host countries, they network companies worldwide. Overall, the AHKs have more than 50,000 memberships at 140 locations in 92 countries. Around 2,200 entrepreneurs are volunteering in the AHK network. The 2,000 employees of AHKs worldwide processed more than 300,000 inquiries from companies last year. "These numbers are impressive and they make us a bit proud," says DIHK President Eric Schweitzer, who will open the ceremony in Brussels on Thursday together with Baron Didier Matray, president of the AHK debelux. "But they also oblige us to constantly improve the quality of our services and intensively cultivate contacts with decision-makers from business and politics on the ground. The support of the Federal Ministry of Economics is essential. "