Areas of cooperation in commerce and European affairs were the focus of discussions a delegation from the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry had with the Malta Chamber in Valletta last week.

On Friday, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and German Ambassador Hubert Ziegler witnessed the signing of what the Malta Chamber described as a “historic” memorandum of understanding between the two organisations.

The delegation of the Deutscher Industrie und Handelskammertag was in Malta for two days.

Led by DIHK president Hans Heinrich Driftmann and chief executive Martin Wansleben, the delegation also met the German business community based at a dinner hosted at the Malta Chamber and at lunch hosted by the German Ambassador in honour of the Minister for Fair Competition, Small Business and Consumers.

At the Prime Minister’s office on Friday, Malta Chamber president Tancred Tabone and director general Kevin Borg facilitated discussions on the recent activity of German foreign direct investment and innovative ways of collaboration that could lead to a sustained pattern of investment in the coming years.

DIHK is the central organisation for 80 chambers of commerce and industry in Germany. All German companies registered in Germany are legally required to join a chamber which means the DIHK represents more than three and a half million entrepreneurs, giving the association considerable political influence.

“In these challenging times with controversial debates on the future of Europe, it is more important than ever to talk to each other – instead of talking about each other,” Prof. Driftmann said.

“We need a better understanding of the political, economic and cultural framework of all our partners in the EU to join forces to overcome the current crisis. We appreciate the outcome of our meetings to foster bilateral cooperation and partnership – and to intensify the dialogue on European matters.”