28.10.2026 – “The Asia-Pacific Conference (APK) takes place in a region where, in autumn 2026, the German economy sees significantly more opportunities once again. Initial results from the current AHK World Business Outlook (WBO) indicate: In the region outside China, more than half (56 percent) of German companies expect better business; only four percent anticipate a worsening. Investment readiness is also increasing. More than one-third of German companies (37 percent) plan to invest additionally in the region, seven percentage points higher than in the spring. However, a different situation is observed in China: Here, only one-third of companies (35 percent) anticipate better business next year. Economic prospects in the Middle Kingdom are perceived cautiously by German companies: Unlike the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, which is expected to continue to recover, China's economic outlook has dimmed.

Although challenges in the Strait of Hormuz negatively affect supply chains across the region, the increased use of artificial intelligence and demand for semiconductors and components for data centers are driving a tremendous economic boost in this vast economic region. By August, German companies had already exported goods worth over €100 billion to the Asia-Pacific region outside China. The trade volume with this region has increased by more than three percent compared to the previous year. Therefore, the APK must also send a signal for greater economic cooperation. Strong business prospects translate to long-term successes only if ambitious trade agreements open markets, strengthen supply chains, and give enterprises planning security.”