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Government Affairs & Advocacy

Government Affairs & Advocacy officially represents the interests of the German economy and German companies in China towards Chinese central and local governments. We regularly meet with Chinese central and local governments on key priorities of relevance to Sino-German trade and relations. We evaluate China’s economic policy developments and provide practical guidance for German companies. Additionally, we support German companies with specific government affairs cases.

Government Affairs
AHK Greater China / AHK Greater China

Why we advocate on behalf of German companies

China has been Germany's top trading partner for eight consecutive years, with around 5,000 German companies operating in China and supporting over one million jobs directly. Despite a slower than expected economic recovery, China remains uniquely significant to the German economy. The country's large consumer market, advanced supply chain infrastructure, and status as a strong innovator make it one of the most important markets for many German companies. However, regulatory challenges such as limited market access can undermine the competitiveness of German companies compared to their Chinese competitors.

Working to create a level playing field

Our advocacy efforts are focused on creating a favorable business environment for German companies operating in China. To achieve this, we actively engage with central and local government officials in roughly 100 meetings per year. Here we bring forward the pain points of German companies and have a dialogue across multiple government departments. We also ensure that the interests of German companies are considered when new laws are made by collecting feedback from member companies of the German Chamber via 'calls for comment' and ensuring the Chinese government is aware of them. To provide the government with helpful materials, we issue advocacy papers on topics that are relevant across multiple industries such as green energy. For specific cases, we give companies individual support in communicating with the authorities.

Helping to put policies into the right context

We offer practical assistance and guidance to German firms navigating government affairs challenges in China and keep them informed about economic policy developments, evaluating what they mean for their business in China. Our three main regular publications include the Business Barometer, the Policy Barometer and the Policy Snapshot. For ad hoc policy changes, we provide quick guidance and analysis.

Capturing business sentiment

The annual Business Confidence Survey is our primary tool for measuring the business sentiment of German companies operating in China. Since its launch in 2007, it has become one of the most representative samples of German business sentiment in China. Additionally, throughout the year, we conduct short surveys and reports that keep pace with changes in the Chinese market.

Amplifying the voices of German companies

China’s economy, related policies and high-level meetings between Chinese and German officials receive significant media attention. Along with this, our publications, press conferences and press round tables attract interest of major German and Chinese media outlets. Our media work is critical not only in achieving balanced coverage, but also in advancing our policy positions. In 2024, our media work yielded over 85,000 mentions in German, Chinese and international news media (according to an analysis by media intelligence firm Unicepta). 

Empowering members with the Government Affairs Program

With our Government Affairs Program (GAP), we offer members of the German Chamber of Commerce in China an exclusive program to increase their impact with the Chinese government. The program includes briefings by the Chamber’s Executive Director, trainings and priority access to government meetings. One key benefit of this program lies in its tailored engagement and lobbying with high level government stakeholders.

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Positions Policy China Germany Economic Relations

Positions

We continuously monitor and evaluate the evolving business environment and policy landscape impacting Sino-German business relations. Below, you will find our positions on a range of key issues. These positions reflect our commitment to supporting German companies in China and fostering stronger bilateral economic ties.

BCS Download

Business Confidence Survey

First launched in 2007, the Business Confidence Survey has been a key instrument for measuring the business sentiment of German companies operating in China. The survey is also the main tool and source of our advocacy work.

Business Barometer Download

AHK Business Barometer

The Business Barometer encompasses an array of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to China's economy, including China’s foreign trade and trade with Germany, industry output, retail sales, fixed asset investment, price levels, and the purchasing managers' index. Our report provides analysis and commentary on these critical metrics, helping German businesses navigate the complex economic landscape in China.

Advocacy Papers Download

Advocacy Papers

We advocate for the interests of the German economy and German business in China towards Chinese central and local governments. Our Advocacy Papers formulate our positions regarding key topics.

Advocacy Factsheets Download

Advocacy Factsheets

The AHK Factsheets provide comprehensive and on point information about various Chinese policies and other business-related topics. They serve as first touchpoint for gaining a clear understanding of these subjects.

Policy Barometer Download

AHK Policy Barometer

Our Policy Barometer provides quarterly economic policy insights for German companies in China. It offers updates on current economic policies, how they impact German businesses, and our evaluation of them. We also provide information on our advocacy efforts regarding these policies with both the German and Chinese governments. In addition to this, the Policy Barometer includes valuable resources and practical tools. The full version of the Policy Barometer is exclusively available to members of the German Chamber and is delivered directly via email.

policy deep dive Download

AHK Policy Deep Dive

The Policy Deep Dive provides insights into latest important policy developments from various fields and explains their implications and opportunities for German businesses. The full version of the AHK Policy Deep Dive is exclusively available to members of the German Chamber and is delivered directly via email.

Action Tracker Download

AHK Action Tracker

The AHK Action Tracker monitors the ongoing implementation of Chinese policies and initiatives that are particularly relevant to German companies.

Advocacy Policy Snapshots Download

Policy Snapshots

Navigating China's ever-evolving regulatory landscape can be challenging, which is why we provide valuable insights that help contextualize policy changes. The Policy Snapshot is a bi-weekly briefing on the latest Chinese policies for German companies in China. The Policy Snapshot is shared on the WeChat Channels of the German Chamber and can also be accessed on this site. As a member of the German Chamber, you can also benefit from our more comprehensive report, the Policy Barometer, which is delivered straight to your inbox.

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