Potsdam, Cottbus, Frankfurt (Oder) - "The German economy is facing far-reaching structural changes. Global uncertainties, the shortage of skilled workers and the transformation towards sustainable business models are therefore presenting our regional companies with immense challenges. We now need clear framework conditions to create long-term planning security." These are the words of Potsdam's IHK President Ina Hänsel, Chairwoman of the State Working Group of the Brandenburg Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
On 23.01.2025, the three IHKs published key economic policy demands that they are addressing to the future federal government. In a joint position paper, seven key areas of action are highlighted: securing skilled workers, reducing bureaucracy, a future-oriented budget and financial policy, expanding infrastructure, a modern funding policy and promoting sustainability and internationalization.
President Hänsel continued: "A competitive economy requires decisive action. It is time for the federal government to set clear priorities and, in particular, to drive forward the reduction of bureaucracy and digitalization in vocational training."
In the position paper, the chambers emphasize the importance of investment in education and infrastructure, tax relief and rapid implementation of the Planning Acceleration Act. The aim is to strengthen Germany as a business location and ensure competitiveness.
Special attention is paid to the specific challenges facing Brandenburg.
"Our region has great potential - but also needs to catch up, especially when it comes to the integration and use of renewable energies, digitalization, logistics and a sustainable transport infrastructure. With the right political framework conditions, we can develop this location in a sustainable and future-proof way," said Hänsel.
The demands of Brandenburg's business community are closely interlinked with the economic policy positions of the entire IHK organization.
An overview of the most important demands:
- Start of a recruitment offensive for investors and skilled workers
- Comprehensive vocational orientation and strengthening of vocational training
- Digitalization push in administration and infrastructure
- Tax relief and a flexible design of the debt brake
- Expansion of central transport routes such as the B 96, A 12 and A 13 as well as the fiber optic network
- Strengthening business succession and start-ups
- Clear framework conditions for the green transformation and reduction of bureaucracy according to the "one in - two out" principle
With the position paper, the Brandenburg CCIs are helping to actively intervene in the economic policy debate in time for the 2025 federal elections. The demands will be communicated to politicians in a targeted manner with decision-makers from the business community.
Downloads & Links
Talks with the regional economy will take place on the following dates:
10.02.2025, 15:45, Talk on the Bundestag election at the Cottbus Chamber of Industry and Commerce
in the internet livestream on the IHK YouTube channel
19.02.2025, 6 to 8 p.m., IHK Potsdam, "Havel-Saal", Breite Straße 2 a-c, 14467 Potsdam
MAZ-Talk on the 2025 federal elections in cooperation with the IHK Potsdam (fully booked)
Also available as a livestream at www.maz-online.de/bundestagswahl and on the IHK Potsdam YouTube channel.
Further information
The state working group (LAG) is a cooperation of the three chambers of industry and commerce in the state of Brandenburg. It represents the interests of around 160,000 companies from industry, trade and services.