Chances and Opportunities

The APAC region and the UAE offer a wealth of opportunities for German entrepreneurs. It is important to note that cultural and linguistic differences vary from country to country and must be taken into account. In some countries, such as UAE, Malaysia, Singapore and India, English is widely understood. In other cases, it may be beneficial to communicate in the local language. German machinery manufacturers have a strong reputation and excellent image in the APAC & UAE region. It should be noted that the geographical distance is significant, and that there is considerable variation in the time difference depending on the country in question. For instance, Japan is seven hours ahead of Central European Time during the summer months and eight hours ahead during the winter. Please note that there is a time difference of up to 10 hours to Sydney. This makes direct engagement with the APAC market from Germany a challenging proposition.

An initial collaboration with a local distributor or a joint venture may prove a viable approach. It is important to consider the higher financing requirements for establishing a subsidiary.

In the case of products that require customisation to customer specifications and aftersales service, it is particularly advisable to establish a subsidiary with a majority stake.

United Arab Emirates

Dubai offers a dynamic business environment with modern infrastructure and a multicultural labour force, making it a prime destination for companies looking to expand in the Middle East.

An investment in Dubai can serve the entire African continent and Kazakhstan. In a very short period of time, the UAE has become a well-regulated and highly secure global business centre thanks to its stable political leadership, diversified economy, strong capital flow, favourable tax environment and liberal trade policies. Free trade zones, such as the IFZA, support the entire establishment process.

IZFA

The IFZA is the most dynamic free zone in the UAE and offers a range of business licences and the opportunity for foreign companies to set up in the IFZA. In addition to setting up a business, business training, banking support, health insurance cover, commercial property and office space are also offered to help you get started.