The Chamber of Industry and Commerce is familiar to most entrepreneurs. Upon registering a business, every company (with the exception of skilled trades) automatically becomes a member of the chamber and can contact its Chamber of Industry and Commerce with any questions or concerns. Less well known, however, are the Chambers of Industry and Commerce's foreign counterparts: the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs). They are also part of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce network. The AHKs offer companies a helping hand in launching their business into international markets. Benjamin Leipold from the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) reveals exactly how startups can use this network to their advantage.
What does the term “Chamber of Commerce Abroad” mean?
The German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) form a global network that supports companies in establishing or expanding their international business. As institutions promoting German foreign trade, the AHKs have been the primary contact for German businesses on global markets for more than 120 years. They work closely with the 79 German Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
In which countries are the AHKs active and how are they organized?
You could say that the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (AHKs) are wherever German companies need them. This now includes over 130 locations in 90 countries. Our first office was founded in Belgium in 1894, and the most recent location was established in Cuba this year. Depending on local law, the network is composed of bilateral chambers of commerce abroad or delegations and representative offices of German businesses.
What are the tasks of the AHKs?
On the one hand, the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad represent German economic interests in the host country. They are therefore also the voice of their 47,900 member companies worldwide. On the other hand, the AHKs also provide services to companies. Under the AHK service brand DEinternational, these companies receive professional advice and support for their business activities abroad.
What services can the AHKs provide to support companies in concrete terms?
From initiating business contacts and establishing a company to recruiting staff, the AHKs offer support at every stage of internationalization. When it comes to market entry, for example, the AHKs can conduct customized market analyses, identify suitable business partners, and advise on relevant legal and tax regulations. Most AHKs also offer business offices or office-in-office solutions to enable companies to establish a cost-effective and rapid on-site presence as a contact point for partners and customers. As member organizations, they also host official and exclusive events and networking opportunities—including those specifically for startups. In addition to facilitating exchange within the local ecosystem, these events also focus on networking with the "old economy" at the location.
How do startups that want to enter international business contact an AHK?
The easiest way is via our website www.ahk.deThe individual location pages contain not only general contact information and country information, but also contact persons for services. They speak German and English, as well as the respective local language, and are available to answer any questions. Some AHKs already have contact persons for startups who are closely connected with the local scene and relevant stakeholders.
