The BDI Beijing Office – a Direct Link to China

Industry is central to Germany's economic prosperity. Nearly a quarter of Germany's gross domestic product stems from its industrial sectors, which, together with related services, produce approximately a third of the nation's overall GDP. Germany’s industries provide employment to around eight million individuals. Automotive, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemicals stand out as the four major industrial sectors. German industry actively supports climate protection efforts by reducing its carbon dioxide emissions, all the while being a driving force for innovation. German industry allocates more than two percent of its gross domestic product towards research and development.

Founded in 1949, the Federation of German Industries serves as the umbrella organization and the voice of German industry. With its headquarters situated in Berlin, its international work is supported by oversea representative offices in Brussels, Washington, D.C., and Beijing. The BDI represents 40 industry associations with more than 100,000 companies, thus reflecting the diversity of the German economy. Through various committees, the BDI convenes German companies of varying sizes and sectors to deliberate on a wide range of topics.

China is a significant market for numerous German businesses, while Germany is China’s most important trading partner in Europe. The economic cooperation between Germany and China is crucial for the economic development of both countries and contributes to the growth of the global economy. The BDI plays a bridging role in this process and promotes cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in multiple fields. Collaborating with the German government, the BDI is dedicated to enhancing the business environment for German companies in China, improving market access, effectively safeguarding intellectual property, and creating fair competitive conditions. The BDI also monitors potential risks associated with conducting business in China, as outlined in the German government's China Strategy, and strives to reduce these.

The BDI ensures that the interests of German industry are incorporated into the economic policy discourse, thereby strengthening economic cooperation between Germany and China. As one of the sponsors of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA), the BDI participates in organizing high-level delegations to China through the APA and accompanies German government representatives during their visits to China. In contrast, the BDI and the APA serve as partners for the German and Chinese governments when the Chinese government is in Germany for discussions.

Since September 2016, German industry has maintained a representative office in Beijing. The BDI office in Beijing functions as an interface between German industry and relevant stakeholders in China. The office engages in exchange and dialogue with Chinese authorities and institutions on important topics of German-Chinese economic relations. Subscribe to the BDI China Newsletter by sending us an email at info-china@bdi.eu