German Chambers of Commerce Abroad

Reliable partners around the globe
Träger Logo
The closely-knit network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad, delegate offices and representations in more than 80 countries on every continent of the world is of major importance to German industry in a world of gloablisation. The Chambers of Commerce Abroad delegates and representations advise firms in situ on investment and market opportunities and help them make international business contacts.

The Chambers of Industry and Commerce, Chambers of Commerce Abroad, German business delegates and representations all work closely together within this network, coordinated by the DIHK.

The Chambers of Commerce Abroad are independent institutions which earn a major share of their income themselves through the services they provide. At the same time, the AHKs also perform important tasks in the interest of the German government – tasks which would otherwise have to be performed by state institutions, e.g. the embassies.

The German AHKs are integrated into the economy of their host countries. The fact that more than 40,000 firms are members of these Chambers, of which two thirds are foreign members, is evidence of this. The service they provide in the field of foreign trade is especially important for small and medium-sized enterprises which do not have their own export departments. It is they in particular who benefit from the vital information on import and export regulations, customs duties, investment conditions abroad, currency regulations, market opportunities and marketing strategies provided by the Chambers of Commerce Abroad, German business delegates and representations. But the AHKs are also the first port of call and intermediary for firms in the host country wishing to do business in Germany. The DIHK has taken on the key task of marketing the AHKs‘ services as part of its mandate.