For ten years, the Federal Ministry for the Environment's Export Initiative for Environmental Protection has supported German GreenTech companies in entering international markets, a program implemented in collaboration with the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and the AHK network.
The German environmental economy is one of the country's most innovative and internationally competitive sectors. With their technologies and services, companies make a significant contribution to climate and resource protection worldwide. For ten years now, the Federal Ministry for the Environment's (BMUKN) Export Initiative for Environmental Protection has been supporting German GreenTech companies in accessing international markets. From the beginning, the DIHK has been a partner in this support program. Together with the network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK), the Coordination Office Chambers for GreenTech has successfully implemented 77 projects in 45 countries.
On the occasion of the tenth anniversary, representatives from business, politics, and science are convening for the CleanTech Conference 2026 in Berlin on September 4. The discussions at the House of German Industry focus on the necessity of new international partnerships and the competitiveness of the German environmental economy in light of changing geopolitical power and market structures.
Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider: “CleanTech has become a key industrial sector for Germany. The growth of the future will be significantly driven by environmental technologies, especially in Germany. German companies excel in environmental protection, and worldwide demand for environmentally friendly solutions is increasing. This presents opportunities for German companies. With the Export Initiative for Environmental Protection, we help German companies seize export opportunities while contributing to global environmental conservation.”
DIHK Chief Executive Helena Melnikov: “The German environmental sector exemplifies the innovative strength of our companies. Their solutions are in demand worldwide and make a significant contribution to the competitiveness of Germany as a business location. The Export Initiative for Environmental Protection has shown over the past ten years how German companies can be successfully supported in entering international markets through the close cooperation of BMUKN, DIHK, and the AHK network.”
Carsten Schneider (right) und Helena Melnikov (2nd from the right) also learnt about environmental technologies made in Germany during the conference
Chambers for GreenTech and the AHK network support companies as part of the Export Initiative for Environmental Protection with market entry, building local partnerships, and initiating new business relationships abroad. Project successes include the preparation for setting up a deposit system in Uruguay, establishing a German-Ghanaian stakeholder forum for developing a national hydrogen strategy in Ghana, and projects to improve water use efficiency in the industry and trade sectors of southern Africa.
Background
About the Export Initiative for Environmental Protection
Launched in 2016 by the Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), the Export Initiative for Environmental Protection (EXI) supports the international dissemination of innovative environmental technologies and sustainable solutions “Made in Germany.” Beyond technology transfer, it promotes building expertise, networks, and partnerships to advance global environmental and resource protection, enhance the international competitiveness of the German environmental economy, and contribute to achieving the United Nations' sustainability goals. Since the program's inception, more than 200 projects in numerous partner countries have been supported.
For more information: www.exportinitiative-umweltschutz.de.
About Chambers for GreenTech
Since 2016, on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), Chambers for GreenTech has been connecting German GreenTech solutions with environmental needs globally. Projects are implemented by the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), which leverage their local market knowledge and networks in 93 countries during project design. Based in Berlin, Chambers for GreenTech acts as a coordination office, overseeing the activities of the AHKs and facilitating the transfer of knowledge between international projects and the German environmental economy. Key areas of action include the circular economy, water and wastewater technology, and green hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Chambers for GreenTech is funded by the Export Initiative for Environmental Protection (EXI) of the BMUKN.
For more information: Chambers for GreenTech Project Brochure (only available in German).
- Relevant in topic:
- Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
- Key areas:
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- Environment
It has been translated with the assistance of AI.
No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the translation.
Released 04.09.2026
Contact
Julia Löffelholz
Spokesperson