Bernard Storm elected as new Chairman
IHK Specialist Committee International sees opportunities in the Middle East and Near East
The IHK Specialist Committee International was newly constituted: In the meeting on 05/15/2024 Bernard Storm was elected as the chairman of the committee. 'I thank you for your trust and will commit to expanding the international networking of the regional economy,' said Storm, Managing Director of August Storm GmbH & Co. KG in Spelle. Hanna Sandmann, authorized officer at PURPLAN GmbH from Wallenhorst, was elected as deputy chairman. Both elections were unanimous by the 30 committee members present.
The focus of the session was the current development in the Middle East. "The Middle East offers both opportunities and challenges. The opportunities include its strategic location for trade and energy supply, as well as potential for economic growth and development. A major challenge, however, is the political instability in the region," explained Storm.
"The war in Ukraine has also affected the economic situation in the Arab states and has slowed down economic growth there," explained Elisabeth Strahl, head of the Near and Middle East, North Africa department at DIHK. Most countries in the Gulf region are still the traditional suppliers of gas and oil, but there are increased efforts in all countries to diversify their economies. The self-perception of the Arab countries has also changed. For example, Saudi Arabia is increasingly emerging as a geopolitical actor within the G20 countries. "For German companies, a variety of major projects in the fields of infrastructure, renewable energies, and the environment offer good business opportunities," said Strahl. The results of the current survey 'AHK World Business Outlook' also show that German companies engaged there are optimistic about their current business situation.
Committee member Maciej Danielak presented the current development at the host, Kampmann Group, during the session. "Kampmann is a family-run business that has seen steady growth since its founding in 1972. Currently employing over 1,000 people, Kampmann develops, produces, and distributes systems in the fields of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning," said Danielak. The group is active in over 50 countries. In addition to a production site in Poland, there are also branches in London and Vancouver, which support local sales activities.
The IHK Special Committee International, composed of voluntarily active entrepreneurs, meets three times a year. Its members regularly exchange ideas with experts from politics, administration, and academia, and develop positions for the IHK plenary assembly.