Visit to the DIHK
Not far from the Foreign Ministry is the Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft, which is home to the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) as well as other associations. The DIHK is the umbrella organization for 79 Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs), which are spread across all German states, and for more than 150 German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) in 93 countries. Membership of the AHKs is voluntary, whereas membership of an IHK is compulsory for the associated companies.
Dr. Nothnagel, member of the Executive Board, explained the DIHK's complex tasks to us in a highly understandable way, particularly as a link between business and politics at both regional and national level. Above all, however, the participants in our small but very international group were interested in the DIHK's function as a holder of Germany's dual vocational training system, which is exemplary worldwide, particularly with regard to certified vocational qualifications. The many questions then led to a lively discussion on the current global economic problems.
After 1 1/2 extremely interesting hours, our visit ended in the impressive atrium of the building in front of a painting of the German baby food entrepreneur Claus Hipp.