The merger of the two German states brings together countries with divergent economic systems, different trade orientations and a rift in terms of wealth. Transforming the East German system into a social market economy raises enormous internal and external adjustment problems in a period in...

The collapse of socialism and opening up of markets in the East has led to a significant structural change in direct investment behaviour on a worldwide scale. The trend is particularly evident in Germany's direct investment patterns over the past two years. While newly industrializing countries...

During the 1980s foreign direct investment (FDI) expanded remarkably. Simultaneously, the regional structure of foreign direct investment changed. This relationship is discernible among industrial countries, as well as between industrial and developing countries. Of particular importance is the...

Many commentaries on the present economic situation contend that Germany is increasingly "exporting jobs" rather than producing competitive goods and services. Can Germany continue to compete effectively with other business locations in the battle for mobile investment capital?

The tremendous importance of small and medium-sized enterprises within the German economy is repeatedly stressed in policy discussions. That makes the disproportionately low level of involvement by SMEs in the Asian growth region stand out all the more prominently. What are the factors...

The European Common Market has opened up a new chapter in the economic life of the Hanseatic City. Initial reservations and scepticism have long ago given way to the realisation that Hamburg’s foreign trade has profited from the dynamic effects of integration.

The pros and cons of direct investment are attracting more and more attention in public discussion. In the following article, Dr Pohle, who was not only a highly successful businessman but also an influential and much respected Member of Federal Parliament, examined the possible positive and...