Export promotion

German trade fairs offer exhibiting companies excellent access to international markets: one third of trade visitors come from abroad, and more than half a million visitors even come from countries outside Europe. Nevertheless, many German companies - especially small and medium-sized enterprises - are faced with the need to exhibit much more abroad in order to meet the needs of their customers. While around 20 per cent of German exhibiting companies also exhibited abroad in 2010, the proportion is currently twice as high.

For many companies, participating in trade fairs abroad increases the organisational effort and financial risk. These are challenges that are cushioned by the German government's Foreign Trade Fair Programme (AMP). The federal programme to support German companies at trade fairs abroad has been in existence since 1949. 50 percent of the direct trade fair costs for trade fairs supported by the AMP are borne by the federal government, the rest by the exhibiting company. Studies show that participation in foreign trade fairs boosts German exports enormously, which in turn secures production, jobs and taxes in Germany. In figures: 1 tax euro of investment generates around 216 euros of added value in Germany.

The funds for the foreign trade fair programme amount to around 44 million euros. AUMA is calling for the budget to be increased by five million to 49 million euros in future. This is the only way to maintain the quality of German pavilions against the backdrop of global cost increases. Germany is in international competition. Other markets are not sleeping when it comes to the presentation of their companies and products.