The global framework for foreign trade is changing rapidly: Geopolitical tensions, new trade rules, and competition for critical raw materials pose major challenges, especially for medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, future technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and new energy technologies are driving the structural transformation of international markets.
The conference examines the extent of Germany's and Europe's dependence in key sectors – and the concrete implications of this for supply chains, procurement strategies, and investment decisions in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The focus is on practical questions: How can risks in raw material supply be mitigated? Which markets offer realistic procurement alternatives? And how can companies secure their competitiveness in an increasingly technologically and geopolitically driven global environment?
In addition to insights from politics, business, and research, the program offers concrete perspectives on international growth markets and provides opportunities for exchange and networking. Its aim is to offer guidance to medium-sized businesses and to highlight options for action in an increasingly complex international economic environment.
Note regarding the consultation service:
At AWT26, participants can take advantage of individual one-to-one consultations on developing new foreign markets and financing. These consultations are conducted by representatives of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK), the Hamburg Representative Offices, and experts in financing and export credits (PwC and Euler Hermes).
These consultations can now be booked via our external appointment portal.
Program
From 9:00 a.m. – Registration & Reception
9:30 a.m. – Welcome
- Dr. Malte Heyne, Chief Executive Officer, Hamburg Chamber of Commerce
9:40 a.m. – 3 questions for...
- Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economic Affairs and Innovation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg,
in conversation with - Hans Fabian Kruse, Chairman of the Committee for International Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hamburg Chamber of Commerce
9:55 a.m. – Keynote: Europe's critical dependencies
- Prof. Dr. Andreas Goldthau, Director of the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt and Senior Associate Fellow at the Centre for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and Technology, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
10:15 a.m. – Panel: Risks and Resilience – SMEs in the Tension Field of Raw Material Supply
- Bernd Lange, MEP, Chairman of the EU Trade Committee
- Sven-Uwe Schulz, Deputy Head of the German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA)
- Arnold Mergell, Managing Director, HOBUM Oleochemicals GmbH
- Dr. Thomas Oehmichen, Managing Director & Partner, LEHVOSS
Moderation : Monika Jones, Deutsche Welle
11:00 AM – Coffee break & networking
11:30 a.m. – Panel: Technologies of the future – without Europe?
- Armin Reinartz, Head of German Policy, Proxima Fusion GmbH
- Dr. Robert Axmann, Head of Quantum Computing Initiative, German Aerospace Center
- Daniel Tepe, Chief Development Officer, Helm AG
- Elisabeth L'Orange, Partner, Deloitte / Founder Kheiron Medical
Moderator : Dr. Cora Jungbluth, Senior Expert for China and Asia-Pacific, Bertelsmann Foundation
12:15 pm – Practical input: Hedging and financing in international business
- Caroline Kutscha, Hamburger Sparkasse AG (Foreign Trade Financing)
- Florian Karges, PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH WPG (Connect programs)
- Mia Munck-Bruns, Euler Hermes AG (export credit guarantees)
- Matthias Koster, PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH WPG (Investment Guarantees)
12:30 pm – Networking Lunch
1:30 p.m. – "60 Minutes – 6 Continents": Potential markets for Hamburg's economy
- German Chambers of Commerce Abroad : Africa (German Chamber of Commerce Liaison Office Berlin), Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Israel, Norway, Hungary, USA (South)
- Hamburg Representative Offices : Dubai, Mumbai, Shanghai
2:30 p.m. – Parallel breakout sessions of the national clubs
In-depth discussions with a regional focus:
- German-African Business Association
- Latin America Association e. V.
3:30 p.m. – End of the event