This year marks the 25th anniversary of German reunification. This significant event had a lasting positive influence on Germany and Europe as it represented the overcoming of Europe's separation and has led Germany to its role in Europe today. With bilateral trade worth Euro12.1 billion (HK$103.45 billion), Germany is Hong Kong's most important trading partner in Europe. There are 600 German companies in Hong Kong, and most of the approximately 3,000 Germans residing in the city are businesspeople. Trade is conducted for the most part via re-exports to and from mainland China, but Hong Kong is also used as a base for doing business with other countries in the Asia-Pacific. The main German exports are machinery, electrical and electronic goods, food as well as luxury goods such as cars for the Hong Kong market, where they are held in high regard, and the demand for these German brands has been growing. This year, Germany officially participated in nine trade fairs in the city, mainly in the consumer goods sector. Our country is viewed as a competent partner in the environmental sector where German expertise is continually sought after. The application of innovative environmental technologies focuses on air pollution control, waste disposal and energy efficiency in buildings. In this area, there is immense business potential for German companies. In recent years, the German consulate has supported various initiatives and projects in the city with regard to climate change, including the European Climate Diplomacy Day and a forum on the development of renewable energy in cooperation with the German Energy Agency in the past months. Institutionally, German business can rely on the support of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce, German Industry & Commerce Co, Germany Trade & Invest, an office of the German National Tourist Board, several trade fair associations as well as the German consulate. The bilateral relationship between Germany and Hong Kong was brought even closer when the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Gregory So, visited Berlin this year and met the senator for economics, technology and research of the Berlin government in order to enhance economic and trade cooperation between the two cities. Similarly, business delegations from Germany, partly headed by high-ranking officials, regularly visit "Asia's World City" to explore business opportunities and establish new contacts. In November 2016, the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, the flagship event for business leaders, executives and government representatives of Germany in Asia, will take place in Hong Kong for the first time. I am confident that this will bring the long-established relationship between Germany and Hong Kong to a new height. Nikolaus Graf Lambsdorff Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hong Kong
