Organizations within Offenbach's city and surrounding county continue to exhibit a gloomy outlook
The economic strength of Germany is a central concern for the IHK Offenbach, as highlighted by recent surveys. According to the data, high labor costs and weak domestic demand pose significant risks for 52.7% and 61.2% of the surveyed companies, respectively.
The new federal government is urged to focus clearly on the economy by the IHK Offenbach. The economic climate index for the IHK Offenbach am Main in 2025 stands at 89.1 points, which is below the growth threshold of 100 points. This suggests a challenging economic environment.
IHK CEO Markus Weinbrenner has expressed concern about the lack of confidence in current politics and the German economic location. He questions whether the new government can make the German economic location attractive again and emphasizes the need for a clear signal that a positive turnaround is possible.
To strengthen the economy and attract businesses, Weinbrenner suggests several measures. Infrastructure modernization, including both analog and digital infrastructure renewal, is essential. Administrative simplification, including significant acceleration of planning and approval processes, is also necessary.
Weinbrenner raises concerns about Germany drifting into economic mediocrity due to uncertain economic policy conditions, which are the greatest threat to 66% of the surveyed companies. He also highlights the risks posed by rising energy and raw material prices, which are a concern for 55.2% of the surveyed companies.
Promotion of innovative technologies is essential for environmental and climate protection, as well as an efficient circular economy. The expansion of energy infrastructure should be done in a market-oriented manner for an affordable energy supply.
The current economic situation is slightly improved compared to autumn 2024, but companies remain tense. IHK Offenbach emphasizes the urgency of the challenges facing the economy and the need for clear reforms and determined measures.
However, the specific policy measures demanded by IHK Offenbach for the new German government to strengthen the economy and attract businesses are not explicitly detailed in the available search results. If more precise or direct sources become available, they would be necessary to accurately answer this query.
What measures should the new government focus on to strengthen the economy and attract businesses, according to IHK Offenbach CEO Markus Weinbrenner? He suggests infrastructure modernization, including both analog and digital infrastructure renewal, as well as administrative simplification, including significant acceleration of planning and approval processes.