On July 1st, 2024, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce hosted the Hamburg Foreign Business Day, a dynamic event aimed at addressing key international business issues. The event, running from 9 AM to 3 PM, gathered esteemed speakers, industry experts, and business leaders for a day of insightful discussions and networking.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Stephan Schnabel, Vice President of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economy and Innovation. Their opening remarks set the stage for a series of thought-provoking presentations.
Prof. Dr. Joachim Krause's keynote on geopolitical threats highlighted the current global risks impacting the German economy. Sven Höppner provided a practical perspective on risk management from the vantage of family businesses, sharing strategies for mitigating these risks effectively.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in AHK consultations, gaining personalized advice on expanding their international reach. Keynotes by Prof. Dr. Bartosz Makowicz and Ingrun Retzlaff emphasized the crucial role of compliance in management.
During the "60 Minutes - 6 Continents" session, Sameeha Sule, Chief Representative of Hamburg to Mumbai, delivered a compelling presentation on the current Indian market and its business landscape. Her insights highlighted the dynamic opportunities and challenges in India, offering valuable information for businesses looking to enter or expand in this vibrant market.
Alongside the other Foreign Representatives, the session also featured George Farthing, who provided an update on the UK business scene, and Claudia Schmidt, who shared insights on opportunities in Morocco. Their contributions enriched the discussion with diverse perspectives from different regions.
A panel debate on European sustainability regulations, featuring Dr. Lothar Harings, sparked a lively discussion on the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The day concluded with a breakout session led by Matthias Koster and Igor Sufraga, focusing on strategies to strengthen exports, foreign investments, and support for SMEs.
Hamburg Foreign Business Day 2024 was a resounding success, leaving attendees with valuable insights and strengthened international connections. The event highlighted Hamburg's commitment to fostering global business relationships and navigating the complexities of the international market.