The Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA) voices the concerns of German business to policy-makers in Germany and the Asia-Pacific region. It is the most important German forum for the formulation and discussion of Asia-related economic and political strategies pertaining to German and Asian business interests. The objective of the APA is to intensify co-operation with the Asia-Pacific countries and to foster mutual trade and investment. As global economic challenges and the economic importance of Asia-Pacific are increasing, APA’s mission is to shape the future in changing times, together with Asia, based on the principles of partnership, innovation and sustainability.
The APA is a joint initiative and umbrella organization of leading business federations – the Federation of German Industries (BDI), the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV), the Federation of German Wholesale and Foreign Trade (BGA) and the Association of German Banks (Bankenverband), it relies on the competence of its sponsor organizations as well as their member companies. The APA brings together and focuses the economic concerns of German business active in the Asia-Pacific region. The German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) ensure that business experience gained in the region is directly integrated in all APA initiatives. This concerted approach guarantees more effective representation of interests towards policy-makers and offers a single platform for discussion with partners within Asia-Pacific. The support of the APA furthermore greatly enhances Germany’s profile and image in Asia and supports German marketing activities in the region.
In addition to the manifold activities of its sponsor organizations, the APA’s involvement extends to top level business summits, visits to Germany of Asian government representatives and of German politicians to Asia. The APA is an integral part of all joint, bilateral committees on German and Asian affairs, co-organized by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. The highlight in its events calendar is the bi-annual Asia Pacific Conference of German Business, co-organized with the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.
CEOs of major corporations and senior representatives of small and medium sized businesses with a special focus in the Asia-Pacific region support the APA and act as speakers of its sub-committees.
Peter Loescher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens AG, has been Chairman of the APA since July 2010.