Today, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews delivered remarks at “On the Road to Hannover Messe,” an event hosted by the German Embassy in cooperation with Siemens AG to kick-off the 2016 Hannover Messe.
For the first time in the fair’s modern history, the United States is the official partner country for the 2016 Hannover Messe taking place April 25 to 29 in Hannover, Germany. Hannover Messe is the world’s largest trade show for industrial technology. The Department of Commerce is leading U.S. efforts to promote America’s world-class businesses, products, innovations, and investment climate for this year’s event, themed “Integrated Industry – Join the Network.” During his remarks, Deputy Secretary Andrews discussed the important role that that the 2016 Hannover Messe will play in strengthening the commercial relationship between the U.S. and Germany and previewed USA Partner Country Activities at this year’s fair.
Remarks As Prepared For Delivery Thank you, Ambassador Wittig, for your kind introduction, for your leadership, and for your close collaboration with the Commerce Department. You have been a great friend and ally to us since beginning your service in Washington two years ago. In that time, the Commerce Department’s engagement with Germany has increased considerably. We are grateful to you, Mr. Ambassador, and the German Embassy for being close partners in these efforts, and for hosting today’s event.
Throughout the last half century, the United States and Germany have shared a close bond grounded in certain core principles. From the Berlin Airlift to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent reunification of Germany, we have remained steadfast friends and partners in promoting democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity – not just in the United States and Germany but around the world.
I am happy to say that the commercial bonds between the United States and Germany have never been stronger. The United States recently surpassed France as Germany’s top export market for the first time in 40 years. Last year alone, $234 billion worth of goods and services was traded between our two countries. It is no exaggeration to say that thousands of Americans and Germans are employed because of trade between our countries.
While the Commerce Department and our German counterparts enjoyed a close relationship during President Obama’s first term, we were eager to find a catalyst to ensure closer and more regular engagement during the President’s second term. This opportunity surfaced in 2014 when the Germany Government and Deutsche Messe, the Fair’s organizers, invited the United States to serve as the official “Partner Country” for the first time in the Fair’s modern history. We are so excited about being the Partner Country, and we believe this is a big deal. This is not just a trade show to us. It’s an opportunity to discuss policy and to show off some of the best of American industry.
Partner Country status provided an ideal opportunity for us to elevate the partnership between the United States and Germany to a new level for several reasons. First, we can use the Fair to showcase U.S. technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to a global audience. Second, the business relationships that are forged between U.S. and German companies at the event will support even more trade between our two countries. Finally, we can promote the United States as the world’s premier destination for global business investment and further the mission of the Department’s SelectUSA initiative.
From the day that the Department of Commerce accepted the invitation on behalf of the United States to become the “Partnerland,” we knew this experience would be much more than a typical trade show. President Obama’s participation in the 2016 Hannover Messe will send a clear message to the world: the United States and Germany are critical partners in virtually every major global challenge we face today, from geopolitical and security issues to our robust economic, commercial, and investment relationship.
Our world is facing big challenges, and we need joint German-U.S. leadership to solve them. Transatlantic trade is still hugely important to the global economy. When we set common standards, develop best practices, and enforce rules-based trade, we don’t just deepen our economic integration, which is already substantial. We set the international norms that provide an example for trade around the world.
With Hannover Messe just a few weeks away, these are exciting times in the history of the U.S.- German relationship. I know President Obama is looking forward to being with Chancellor Merkel and engaging with German visitors at the Fair. Secretary Pritzker and I will both be there – leading the largest-ever U.S. delegation to Hannover, which includes over 400 companies, economic development organizations, and research institutions. We will also be joined by a group of country, industry, commercial services, and investment experts from our offices in Washington, Germany, and around the world. They will provide around-the-clock customer service and support to our exhibitors.
I am confident that Hannover Messe will make clear that the German-U.S. partnership is strong and that the United States is open for business. The U.S. delegation – which includes more than 200 small and medium size enterprises – will be showcased in the USA Partner Country Pavilions. Each of these pavilions has a different focus: digital factory; energy; industrial automation; industrial supply; and research and technology.
Our team of international trade and investment specialists will provide insights into global industry trends, identify the best market opportunities for your products, and facilitate introductions to international buyers, distributors, and investors. They can also connect companies seeking investment opportunities in the United States with the 75 economic development organizations that will be exhibiting in the U.S. Investment Pavilion. Secretary Pritzker and I will be on the fairgrounds to host you and: visit the U.S. pavilions; network with U.S. companies; meet with U.S. Partner Country sponsors; and promote SelectUSA activities to investors.
One of our top issues at the fair will be the emerging digital manufacturing economy. The United States and Germany share a common goal of using technology to drive our countries’ economic competitiveness. We are both investing in technology, the digital economy, and our nations’ infrastructure.
In the United States, we have one of the strongest innovation ecosystems in the world. Over the years, we have introduced some of the most groundbreaking products and services into the global marketplace. Germany, of course, is home to many of the world’s leading industrial manufacturing companies. Our countries share both an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to manufacturing excellence. As partners, we can share our insights on innovation and entrepreneurship, while also learning from one another about how to make our manufacturing sectors more competitive.
The theme for this year’s Fair – “Integrated Industry - Discover Solutions” – refers to far more than just advanced manufacturing. It is also about the interconnected nature of the U.S., German, and European economies. And it is a tribute to the ability of our innovative companies to work together and continue to be leaders in setting global standards for the 21st century integrated industry.
This is truly an exciting moment in the commercial relationship between the United States and Germany. On behalf of Secretary Pritzker and the entire Department, we look forward to seeing many of you in Hannover in just a few weeks. Thank you.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
