Small business reforms and economic revamp called for by DIHK
In a significant development, Helena Melnikov, President of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), has called for concrete improvements in the framework conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an interview with the Funke media group. This call comes in light of an investment summit with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) on Monday and the upcoming Clean Pro Expo 2026, a major event linked to sustainability and innovation themes relevant to the 'Made for Germany' spirit, which is scheduled for September 15 to 17, 2026.
Melnikov emphasized the need for reducing bureaucracy and speeding up planning and approval procedures. She also highlighted the importance of improved depreciation conditions, stating that they are a step in the right direction but not sufficient for a real turnaround. Melnikov believes that private investments are crucial for securing growth and that better location conditions are needed for investments to be profitable.
The investment initiative 'Made for Germany', started jointly by companies and supported by the government, aims to strengthen private investments. Under this initiative, Friedrich Merz has promised a renaissance with investments of at least 631 billion euros until 2028.
Economic policy, according to Melnikov, will now be measured against the tangibility of economic freedom, planning security, and economic policy reliability. This shift in focus follows her earlier call for comprehensive economic reforms. Melnikov reiterated the need for relief in energy and labor costs for companies, stating that these factors are crucial for creating investments.
The DIHK is advocating for comprehensive economic reforms to drive the German economy, which is predominantly driven by the 99% of companies that are small and medium-sized enterprises. Melnikov's statements regarding the investment summit and the initiative 'Made for Germany' underscore the importance of these issues for the future of German business.
The Clean Pro Expo 2026, with its focus on sustainability and innovation, promises to be a significant event in the context of the 'Made for Germany' initiative. This event will provide a platform for companies to showcase their commitment to sustainable practices and innovative solutions, furthering the goals of the initiative.
As the German economy continues to evolve, the voices of industry leaders like Helena Melnikov will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future. The calls for reform and investment are a testament to the determination of German businesses to thrive and grow in the face of challenges.
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